Amendment 13 was approved by Florida voters in the 2018 election. This amendment calls for the end of greyhound racing in Florida by 2020. With the majority of operating tracks in the US located in Florida, the amendment will deal a serious blow to the sport. Greyhound racing has a unique history and has been a part of Florida for quite some time.
Topics: Osceola County, Greyhound Dogs, Florida
With the start of the New Year many of you may have a list of New Year’s Resolutions, I know I do! Some of the most popular New Year Resolutions are to lose weight, eat healthier, stop a bad habit, reduce stress, and travel more.
Topics: Osceola County Historical Society Membership, Volunteering, Benifts of being a Volunteer, Pioneer Village at Shingle Creek, Osceola County Historical Society, Osceola County, Donations
Anza Bast has been involved with the Osceola County Historical Society for over 10 years, she is a dedicated volunteer and board member who received this year’s Florida Association of Museums Outstanding Volunteer award. Anza is an invaluable resource for OCHS. Her wealth of regional knowledge and her passion for history have made her an incredible asset to the organization. Anza volunteers most of her time in the Curation and Collection Department. Larissa Bixby caught up with Anza at the Research Center at Spence Pavilion one afternoon to chat a bit about her contributions to OCHS.
Topics: Volunteer Opportunities, Volunteer Spotlight, Volunteer, Volunteering, Benifts of being a Volunteer, Osceola County
Do you like trying new foods? Are you a fan of unique stores? How about classic vehicles and muscle cars? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, then Old Town in Kissimmee is perfect for you!
Topics: Osceola History, Around Osceola, Tourism, History, Summer Activities, Osceola County History, Around Osceola County, City of Kissimmee, Osceola County, Business Membership, Oscoela County Historical Society, Outdoor, Kissimmee, Old Town
An exciting aspect of museum work is making new discoveries. Sometimes, these discoveries may only be new to the researcher. Usually, this means an item has been “rediscovered” in the museum’s archives. The Osceola County Historical Society has made such a discovery! In reorganizing our archives, we happened upon a postcard from 136 years ago. The postcard was addressed to a Miss Martha A. Pierce of Holliston, MA and was sent from her step-sister, Annie of Livermore Falls, Maine. This may sound like an unappealing find, and it certainly is not relevant to Osceola County history. However, what is unique about the postcard is Annie was able to fit 620 words on it, and they are legible (mostly)! Even after 136 years, the writing of a young woman, updating her step-sister of her life can still be read and enjoyed. We’ll count this as a win for history!
Topics: Osceola County Historical Society, Osceola County, Osceola County Historical Society Curator, postcard, artifacts
1 year ago, you invested in us, well beyond your cash donations. You revitalized our spirits, and helped us move forward.
Topics: Replica Schoolhouse, Pioneer Village at Shingle Creek, Osceola County, 1800s Replica General Store, 26th Annual Pioneer Day, Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures, Board of Directors, Lanier House, Tyson House, Cadman House, community
The youngest of nine children of Matthew and Sarah McMullen, born April 28, 1865; Charles Nathan grew up in Roane, West Virginia, working on the family farm. He was only six months old when his father died. At the age of thirteen, C.N. left home to make his own living.
Topics: Osceola County, Veteran
The Lanier family, like many others, migrated from another state to the wild frontier of Florida. The patriarch, John Lanier, came from Georgia where he was born in 1805. The exact date when John came to Florida is unknown. However, we do know that it was after his first wife’s passing and preceding his marriage to Margaret Hogan in 1839. It was during his time in Florida that he made a name for himself and his family in the cattle industry.
Topics: Osceola History, Around Osceola, Pioneer Family, The Pioneer Village, Shingle Creek, History, Educational, Osceola County History, Pioneer Village, Around Osceola County, City of Kissimmee, Pioneer Village at Shingle Creek, Osceola County, Oscoela County Historical Society, Kissimmee
Fair warning—this blog post contains pictures of mouth-watering barbeque food. Be prepared to crave this amazing food!
Topics: Osceola History, Around Osceola, History, Osceola County History, Around Osceola County, City of Kissimmee, Dine with the Departed, Osceola County, Business Membership, Oscoela County Historical Society, Kissimmee, Big John's BBQ
The Osceola County Historical Society recently had the privilege of attending a private behind-the-scenes tour of Osceola Heritage Park. Here is a little history and glance of what goes on behind the curtains of all the concerts, events, and trade shows that take place at our very own Osceola Heritage Park.
Topics: Osceola County, Silver Spurs Rodeo, Business Membership, Osceola Heritage Park, Silver Spurs Arena, Event Space
