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

If you’re looking for the perfect gift for your friends and family, look no further! Osceola County Historical Society hosts Art in the Archives: Paint Night, and the next event is right around the corner! Join us on January 10, 2018, for a fun filled and educational evening. Spend time with friends and family as you stroll through the museum during this exclusive after-hours event.  Visit the temporary exhibit, the inspiration for the current painting – Historical Health: Hospitals and Cure-Alls. After the tour, adjourn to the Buster Kenton room for a two-hour art lesson, complementary beverages, and nibbles.

Topics: Osceola County Welcome Center and HIstory Museum, Osceola County Historical Society, Art in the Archives

As 2017 comes to an end, the Osceola County Historical Society will share the latest issue of the Osceola County Historical Society’s History Magazine. The History Magazine is a publication that is issued electronically to the Osceola County Historical Society’s website twice a year for your reading pleasure.

Topics: Volunteer Opportunities, Osceola County Historical Society, 2017 History Magazine Winter Edition

We have been thrilled to host a few fantastic events over the past couple months at the many venues available through the Osceola County Historical Society! Here is a short recap of some of the events that took place in October. 

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