Winter Garden Magazine January 2015 | Page 23

I n 1991, a committee of citizens and City of Winter Garden officials applies to and is accepted as a Main Street Florida Community, to help revitalize the historic downtown district. A few years after being granted this honor, the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation was established. Their mission: to “preserve our heritage and architecture while creating new cultural experiences.” Since its founding, the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation has fulfilled its mission through research, the protection of historic structures and artifacts, educational opportunities and exhibitions, and cultural festivals, for the benefit of residents, visitors, and future generations. The Foundation, History Center and Museum have been in several locations around the downtown area. In 1998, the Heritage Museum opened in the historic Atlantic Coast Line Railroad Depot, with Rod Reeves as director. Three years later, the group opened the History Research Center, which made available archives of historic photographs, records, oral histories and artifacts from Winter Garden, Ocoee, Oakland, Windermere, Killarney and Tildenville. This venue was located for two years in the Edgewater Hotel, then four years in a donated storefront on Plant Street. Over the years and as businesses, shops and restaurants began springing up downtown; the Foundation had to relocate the History Center to cramped quarters in the back area of the Central Florida Railroad Museum on South Boyd Street. This move was not particularly ideal, as items were stored in a metal warehouse built around 1915. The building was not climate controlled, and historic objects and documents were literally stacked to the ceiling. Our collective history deserved a better home. After many years of reaching out to the public and through grants and capital campaigns, the archives have a gorgeous new home. In Mid-January, The Winter Garden Heritage Foundation’s new $1.1 million, 5,224-square-foot History Research and Education Center will open to the public. The new facility, in the heart of downtown at 21 E. Plant St., has a visitors’ center at the front, where volunteers will distribute maps and information about the city and its history, dining and lodging options, local businesses and people. Beyond this room is a large research center and staff office, and a vast climate-controlled storage room to house the news, artifacts, and items from the past which showcase the area and its residents. Program Director Jim Crescitelli, WGHF Director Kay Cappleman, and Bookkeeper Margie Severance stand outside the main doors to the beautiful new facility. On the west end of the building is the Briley Voss Conference Room, a kitchen for catered events and Heller Bros. Hall. The hall will be used for educational tours, events, and for rotating exhibits. It may also be rented for wedding receptions, luncheons, and other private events. A covered courtyard will be fitted outside between the new building and the adjacent Heritage Museum. A housewarming event will take place Jan. 9, 2015, for donors and members, and then an open house will be held for the public on Jan. 11.  A plaque on the exterior will recognize anyone who pledges or donates more than $100. The Foundation is also selling engraved bricks for $50, providing another way to be commemorated on the site. This is a great way to show your contribution to the conservation of our charming historic area, and can be purchased by any individual, family or organization at the Center. The bricks will be fitted into the front sidewalk of the building, just along the West Orange Trail. In just under a quarter century, the Foundation has evolved significantly, made outstanding contributions to our community, and has increased the preservation and propagation of the area’s historic charm. Once open to the public, visitors can stop in and feel free to research the past of our area and many of its residents. Donations can be made to the Foundation at any time via their website: www.wghf.org JANUARY 2015  WINTER GARDEN MAGAZINE   |  23