Orlando North is home to a treasure trove of historical museums that bring local history and culture to life. Whether you’re a history buff or simply curious about the region’s fascinating stories, these museums offer unforgettable experiences. Here’s your guide to the top historical museums in Orlando North, each with its own unique charm and captivating exhibits.
Goldsboro Museum
1211 Historic Goldsboro Blvd Fl 32771, Sanford, FL 32771-2703
Step back in time and explore the rich history of Goldsboro, the second African American incorporated city in the United States, founded in 1891 by William Clark. Now part of Sanford, Goldsboro’s story is preserved at the Goldsboro Museum, where you can uncover tales of resilience and progress. Don’t miss the Seminole Community and Legacy exhibit, which highlights the cultural identity and contributions of African American communities in Seminole County. Join the daily 2 PM guided tour led by expert historians and walk through Goldsboro’s inspiring journey.
While you’re there, visit the Crooms Museum next door, honoring the first African American high school in Seminole County, founded in 1926 by Joseph N. Crooms. Together, these museums celebrate the perseverance and achievements of the Goldsboro community.
The Henry Shelton Sanford Memorial Library and Museum
520 E 1st St, Sanford, FL 32771-1410
Nestled in the heart of Sanford, this charming museum showcases the city’s diverse history—from railroads and riverboats to agriculture and education. A highlight is the sports collection featuring memorabilia from Sanford’s most celebrated athletes, including Tim Raines, David Eckstein, and sportscaster Red Barber. Discover Sanford’s unexpected connection to the New York Giants’ farm system in the 1950s. Don’t forget to notice the celery-shaped columns on the exterior of the museum – a sight you’re unlikely to see anywhere else!
Don’t forget to stroll through the Chase Gallery, where rotating exhibits keep the museum’s content fresh and engaging. Currently on display is an exhibit on the English Bicycle and Tennis Club the characterized Sanford’s social landscape in the 19th century. Virtual tours are also available, allowing you to explore Sanford’s history from anywhere.
Museum of Seminole County History
300 Eslinger Way Sanford, FL 32773
The Museum of Seminole County History houses an extraordinary collection, including one-of-a-kind art crafted from the Senator Tree, a 3,500-year-old cypress tragically lost to fire in 2012. The Ancient Wood Reborn exhibit features these remarkable creations, ensuring the Senator’s legacy lives on.
Explore over 6,000 square feet of exhibits detailing Native American history, early settlements, and the area’s industrial and agricultural development. From now through May 2025, catch the special exhibition Rubber, Ivory, and Blood: Sanford and the Scramble for Africa, which delves into Henry Sanford’s international ventures. Plan to return for the Colonial Florida exhibit later this year, which uncovers the region’s Spanish and British colonial past. Admission is just $3, making it a budget-friendly outing.
Evergreen Cemetery
150 South Cypress Way, Casselberry, Florida 32707
Evergreen Cemetery in Casselberry is not just a place of rest but also a historical landmark showcasing Black history in Central Florida. Established in 1890, it served as a burial ground for Black families before other cemeteries in the area. The ongoing restoration efforts include the creation of the Brawner House Museum, a replica of a shotgun house that will store and display artifacts, photos, and historical records. The cemetery stands as a testament to the determination to preserve the contributions of those who came before.
Historic Oviedo’s Colored Schools Museum
2170 James Drive, Oviedo, FL, United States, Florida
Although the Historic Oviedo’s Colored Schools Museum does not yet have a finished building, their mission to honor the efforts of African American families in Oviedo remains unwavering. These families, often descendants of former slaves, prioritized education during an era of segregation and limited resources. Schools such as Jackson Heights and Geneva Colored Elementary were at the forefront of this struggle, fostering learning and community growth despite immense challenges.
The museum organizes a variety of community events and workshops, including film screenings and remembrance activities, to keep this vital history alive. Their efforts continue as they raise funds to complete the restoration of their future physical location, ensuring that this history will inspire future generations. For now, they operate out of the Antioch Event Center, a vibrant hub for their ongoing educational initiatives.
Lake Mary Historical Museum
158 N Country Club Rd, Lake Mary, FL 32746-3238
Housed in a 1926 building originally constructed by Frank Evans, the Lake Mary Historical Museum immerses visitors in the city’s transformation from a citrus-based community to a modern, upscale area. The museum’s collection includes artifacts from pioneer families, historic photos, and tools used in early orange groves and turpentine production.
Step into history as you admire the building’s original tin ceiling and explore its exhibits. The museum’s charm lies not only in its treasures but also in its dedication to preserving the stories of Lake Mary’s founding families.
Bradlee-McIntyre House
130 W Warren Ave, Longwood, FL 32750-4133
Take a tour of the Bradlee-McIntyre House, a stunning example of Queen Anne architecture. Originally built in 1885 in Altamonte Springs, this opulent winter home for wealthy New Englanders was saved from demolition and painstakingly restored by the Longwood Historic Society. Its intricate design features a castle-like tower, gabled roofs, and period furnishings.
Guided tours every Wednesday and Sunday offer a glimpse into the luxurious lifestyles of its past residents. Admission is just $5, and kids under five get in free. Be sure to check out the Inside-Outside House nearby, a fascinating prefabricated structure from 1873 that now houses the boutique Cottage Gift Shop, which sells soaps, handbags, jewelry, and more.
Oviedo Historical Society’s Lawton House
200 W Broadway St, Oviedo, FL 32765
Known as the “Celery Capital of the World,” Oviedo’s agricultural roots are celebrated at the Lawton House. Built in 1890, this historic house now serves as a living museum showcasing the day-to-day lives of Oviedo’s founding families. The house is filled with artifacts, from furniture and tools to photographs that tell the stories of Oviedo’s early settlers.
One of the highlights is the exhibit on Oviedo’s celery and citrus industries, which played a vital role in the town’s growth. You’ll learn why Oviedo earned its celery-focused nickname and how the community transitioned from agriculture to the vibrant town it is today. The Lawton House also hosts seasonal events, offering a chance to engage with local history through storytelling, reenactments, and hands-on activities.
The house is open to the public on the first Saturday of each month, and private group tours can be arranged upon request. It’s a must-visit for anyone interested in the history of this charming town and the perseverance of its people.
Downtown Sanford History & Architectural Tour
East 1st Street 230, 32771 Sanford, US
Join one of Sanford Tours and Experiences’ architectural tours to explore the city’s rich history and unique architecture on a local walking tour. A highlight is, of all places, the Sanford Information Center, set in a 1917 Classical Revival-style building originally constructed as the city’s post office. Featuring red pressed brick, Georgia sandstone trim, and an intact original façade with iconic lamp posts, you’ll learn how the building later served as the Sanford Library before becoming a hub for visitor resources and business incubation. Guided by expert storytellers, you’ll discover fascinating insights into Sanford’s early development and architectural evolution!
Museum of Geneva History
165 1st St, Geneva, FL 32732
Located in Geneva, this museum captures early settler life through an array of artifacts. Explore displays featuring tools from turpentine and orange grove industries, a pioneer crafts area, and even a rare player-piano and violin combination from 1910. The latter still–most peculiarly– plays! Don’t miss the prehistoric Native American artifacts and findings from Fort Lane, a Second Seminole War site. Their current special exhibit is on the Black History of Geneva.
The museum is open on the second and fourth Sundays of the month from 2pm to 4pm or by appointment. Admission is free, but donations are appreciated.
Pathways to History and Historical Markers
Various Locations
Sanford’s unique Pathways to History program offers an immersive look at the city’s past through a series of plaques installed at significant locations. These plaques tell the story of Sanford’s founding, early settlers, and its development as a steamboat hub and agricultural center. With detailed narratives on landmarks like the PICO Hotel and Zora Neale Hurston’s connections to the area, Pathways to History provides a curated, city-specific historical experience.
By contrast, historical markers are found throughout all of Seminole County and commemorate a broader range of events, people, and places. These markers, which include sites such as Fort Lane in Geneva and the Altamonte Chapel in Altamonte Springs, highlight regional history and connect visitors to stories across the county. Together, Pathways to History and historical markers create a rich tapestry of Seminole County’s diverse heritage.
History of Sanford Aviation Exhibit
1200 Red Cleveland Blvd, Sanford, FL 32773
Located at the Orlando Sanford International Airport, this exhibit honors the area’s aviation history. From its role as a naval air station during World War II to its current status as a commercial hub, the museum showcases vintage aircraft and artifacts. This exhibit is public and free to view, directly to the left of the Ticketing Counters in the main entrance hall of the airport.
Nearby, but separate from the exhibit, is the NAS Sanford Memorial. This outdoor memorial features a fully restored RA-5C Vigilante, honoring the Naval Air Station’s pivotal role in military aviation history and the servicemen and women who trained there. Together, these sites provide a comprehensive look at Sanford’s rich aviation heritage and its enduring legacy.
Each of these museums offers a window into the unique stories that shaped Orlando North. Plan your visit today and discover the hidden gems that make this region truly special!
