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: artifacts, Osceola County Historical Society Curator, Osceola County Historical Society, Osceola County, postcard

Each year, the Florida Association of Museums honors those who help museums fulfill their individual missions. One such honor, the Outstanding Volunteer Award is given to a “volunteer whose service to a museum has made a lasting impact on the fulfillment of the institution’s mission”. Osceola County Historical Society has many wonderful volunteers and, as a result, decided to nominate one of them: Anza Bast.

Topics: Volunteer, Volunteer Opportunities, Osceola County Historical Society, Board of Directors, Florida Association of Museums

Topics: War Vertrags Memorial, Osceola County Historical Society, History

 Congratulations are in order for the Osceola County Historical Society after being awarded the Non-Profit of the Year Award by the St. Cloud Chamber of Commerce on September 29, 2018. As a dedicated member of the St. Cloud Chamber of Commerce, we are honored to receive this prestigious award. OCHS’ goal is to collect and preserve the history of Osceola County and it is wonderful to be recognized for the hard work the staff, volunteers, board of directors, and donors put forth.

Topics: St. Cloud Chamber of Commerce, Non-Profit of the Year Award, Osceola County Historical Society, Osceola County Historical Society Membership, Soldier City Chapter

Celebrate Osceola County's first residents and the pioneering spirit of the late 19th century during the 27th Annual Pioneer Day. Here are some reasons why you won't want to miss this event, 27 reasons to be exact!

 

Topics: 27th Annual Pioneer Day, Pioneer Village at Shingle Creek, Osceola County Historical Society, Outdoor Event, Fall Festival, History, Free Admission, Big John's Rockin' BBQ, Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures

The Osceola County Historical Society would like to welcome Kimberly Murray as the new Executive Director. Kimberly has a Master of Science Degree in Human Services Management and officially joined the OCHS team on October 1, 2018. 

Topics: Osceola County Historical Society, Kimberly Murray, Executive Director

Program Director, Larissa Bixby, tracked down OCHS’s super busy Venue Rental Sales Director for a quick get to know you. Maggie has been with OCHS for a year as of this month. Congrats, Maggie! She has created the Venue Rental Sales Department from a barely functioning, basement level operation to a flourishing business that highlights the natural beauty and unique spaces OCHS has to offer for your next celebration. When she’s not charging full speed ahead at work, Maggie keeps her energies high on a run, trying new things, traveling, or working out. You can definitely say that Maggie is energetic, but you’ll also be struck by how compassionate and joyful a person she is as well.

Topics: OCHS Employee Spotlight, weddings, Birthday Parties, Venue Rentals, Osceola County, Osceola County Historical Society

The Summer was a very exciting time at the Venues Managed by the Osceola County Historical Society! Ten private events were hosted between the Buster Kenton Room at the Osceola County Welcome Center and History Museum and the Pavilion and grounds of Pioneer Village at Shingle Creek.

Topics: Venue Rentals, OCHS Event Recap, OCHS Events, weddings, Receptions, Buster Kenton Room, Pavilion at Pioneer Village, Pioneer Village at Shingle Creek, Osceola County Historical Society, Osceola County Welcome Center and HIstory Museum, Birthday Parties, Filming, 1800s Historic Replica Church, Replica Train Depot

Built in 1924-1925, the Interocean Hotel located on Highway 17-92 seven miles south of Kissimmee, Florida; sat empty the year following completion. 

Topics: Kissimmee, Osceola County, Osceola County Historical Society, City of Kissimmee, Around Osceola County, Osceola County History, Educational, History, Around Osceola, Osceola History

One of the official actions at the first School Board meeting on August 29, 1887 was to name and number the schools.  # 5 was Shiloh, #7 Cross Prairie, #11 Neallo and #13 was Lakeview, to name a few.  There were a total of twenty-one with #22, Merry Winter, added the following month.  The salary for teachers assigned between ten and fifteen students was set at $20 a month; classes above fifteen students would result in $1.50 per student per month additional payment.

Topics: Kissimmee, Samuel Lincoln Lupfer,, Oscoela County Historical Society, Osceola County, Osceola County Historical Society, City of St. Cloud, Pioneer Village at Shingle Creek, City of Kissimmee, Pioneer Village, Osceola County History, Educational, St. Cloud, The Pioneer Village, Osceola History, Around Osceola