Proclamation, it just sounds important, doesn’t it? Did you know that a proclamation is a public or official announcement, especially one dealing with a matter of great importance? 

 During the month of May, the Osceola County Historical Society received a number of acknowledgments declaring the whole month of May, History Month. 

Topics: Osceola County Welcome Center and HIstory Museum, City of Kissimmee, Pioneer Village at Shingle Creek, History Month, City of St. Cloud, Osceola County Historical Society, Osceola County School Board, Totally Tots! Temporary Exhibit

With the help of the Narcoossee Area Chapter, the Osceola County Historical Society has been able to expand its reach in preserving the history of the Narcoossee area.  OCHS is now hoping to form the Soldier City Chapter to help preserve the history of St. Cloud, Florida and its surrounding areas. 

Topics: History, Osceola County Historical Society, St. Cloud, Florida, Soldier City Chapter

With the opening of our 1800s Replica Historic Church available for Weddings and Vow Renewals, we wanted to take a look into many common wedding traditions still performed.

Topics: Pioneer Village at Shingle Creek, Osceola County Historical Society, Venue Rentals, Wedding Traditions, Wedding Rings

Born in Hartford County, Maryland on February 23, 1864, William Burroughs Makinson was one of Osceola County’s early pioneers honored in 2011 by the Osceola County Historical Society at their annual Dine with the Departed event.  He spent the early years of his life on a farm near Baltimore with his three siblings and parents William T. and Mary L. Makinson.  In 1883, W.B. traveled by boat to Jacksonville, then by train to Sanford, Florida, finally arriving in Kissimmee on the first train to make the run from Sanford. 

Topics: History, WIlliam B. "Dick" Makinson, Osceola County Historical Society, Silver Spurs Rodeo

Fashion seems to be a revolving door. A particular “fad” may be popular for a time, but will surely be replaced by another. However, that fad will probably find its way back into popularity a few decades later. One aspect that never seems to go out of style, is the attention to detail. Adding specific elements to a garment can give it an extra flair, or make a relatively bland piece look extraordinary.

Topics: Artifact Spotlight, History, Osceola County Welcome Center and HIstory Museum, Free Admission, Osceola County Historical Society, Fashion Rewind Opening Reception, Fashion Rewind Temporary Exhibit, Fashion

With the opening of our 1800s Replica Historic Church available for Weddings and Vow Renewals, we wanted to take a look into many common wedding traditions still performed.

Have you ever wondered why the Bride wears a white dress? Or why we eat a tiered wedding cake? Or why the Bride tosses her bouquet? Or why we host a bridal shower?

Where did these traditions come from? Why do we do them?

Join us for a multi-part mini-series as we uncover the history behind many common Wedding Traditions!

Topics: Osceola County Welcome Center and HIstory Museum, Pioneer Village at Shingle Creek, Osceola County Historical Society, Venue Rentals, Wedding Traditions, Wedding Cakes

 Janet Schick started “Social Enterprisers” in 2015, working on projects for small businesses and local organizations.  Janet’s passion is helping small business owners and members of local organizations realize the benefits of personal marketing outreach including, making telephone calls and other marketing elements. The mission of Social Enterprisers closely reflects Janet’s passion, to educate and inform people on how to best communicate market messages to promote business products and services.

Topics: Around Osceola County, Osceola County Historical Society, Business Membership, Marketing, Social Enterprisers

Anza Bast glowed as she walked down the aisle at the 1800s Replica Historic Church at Pioneer Village at Shingle Creek to her husband of 50 years, Mike Bast, at the altar to renew their vows and say “I DO” for the second time. While standing at the altar, Mike confessed,

Topics: Osceola County Welcome Center and HIstory Museum, Pioneer Village at Shingle Creek, Osceola County Historical Society, Venue Rentals, 1800s Historic Replica Church, Vow Renewal, Buster Kenton Room

With the opening of the 1800s Replica Historic Church, OCHS is excited to announce a new addition to the team. Please help us in welcoming Maggie Ferrara who joined us on October 2, 2017 as our Facility Rental Sales Coordinator. Maggie graduated from Michigan State University in Hospitality Business Management and has been in the hospitality industry for over 10 years. We are very excited to have her as part of our team.

Topics: Osceola County Welcome Center and HIstory Museum, Pioneer Village at Shingle Creek, Osceola County Historical Society, Venue Rentals, 1800s Historic Replica Church, Buster Kenton Room, Pavilion at Pioneer Village

James Kinchen Hilliard was born in Coffee County, Georgia on December 17, 1852.  He lost his father in 1863 during the War Between the States.  Perhaps to ease the burden of his mother, who was left to rear some of his eleven siblings, James headed to Texas at the age of fourteen. For nine years he roamed the central west encountering Indians and buffalo and gathering tales of his experiences.

Topics: Pioneer Family, History, Dine with the Departed, Osceola County Historical Society