News Summary
Orlando is gearing up to celebrate its 150th anniversary, inviting community involvement and a look back at the city’s history. A recent workshop brought together attendees to discuss ways to contribute memories for an interactive history board and learn about the city’s past. The anniversary festivities will include public art installations, exhibitions, and events throughout the year, culminating in a celebration on July 1, 2025. Residents are encouraged to share their stories to enrich the city’s historical narrative.
Orlando is gearing up for an exciting celebration as it approaches its 150th anniversary, marked by community involvement and a deep dive into the city’s rich history. The City of Orlando’s Neighborhood Relations team recently conducted a lunch-and-learn workshop where approximately 40 participants from various neighborhoods and organizations gathered to discuss the upcoming anniversary celebrations. The official anniversary is set for July 1, 2025, with events planned throughout the year to honor Orlando’s past while looking toward its future.
During the workshop, led by Jennifer Chapin from the Office of Communications and Neighborhood Relations, attendees learned how they could contribute their memories to an interactive community history board. Jennifer Fritz-Hunter, the historic preservation officer for Orlando, provided invaluable insights into the early history of the city, which was founded on July 1, 1875. Originally known as Jernigan, the city was named after the family that established the first permanent white settlement near Fort Gatlin in 1840, which was constructed during the Second Seminole War in 1838.
The transformation from Jernigan to Orlando occurred in 1856 when the city “stole” the county seat from Sanford. Judge James Speer played a critical role in this pivotal change after facilitating the county seat relocation on Election Day, leading to the new name of Orlando being adopted.
Interesting legends surround the name Orlando, which some believe may derive from Shakespeare’s play “As You Like It.” However, the true origin remains a topic of speculation, particularly since claims about Orlando Reeves, an individual reportedly killed by Seminoles in 1835, are largely dismissed due to insufficient evidence. As the anniversary approaches, the city encourages residents to share their historical stories, memories, and photographs to contribute to a collective memory of Orlando’s history.
The city has resources available for residents interested in exploring their past, including the Orange County Regional History Center and an iLead Guide from the City of Orlando. This historical engagement is complemented by the city’s support for neighborhood-led history events, with registration options available on the official city website.
Moreover, the celebrations will feature public art installations and a notable exhibition titled “Changing Face of Orlando,” which will display both historical and contemporary photographs of the city. In addition, the Orange County Regional History Center is preparing to showcase an exhibit called “Orlando Collected,” set to open in April. This exhibit will present 150 unique items contributed by local individuals and organizations to celebrate the city’s milestone.
The anniversary celebrations aim not only to reflect on Orlando’s past but also to promote local businesses and encourage active community participation. Mayor Buddy Dyer has articulated a vision for the city as a future-ready place that embraces new technology while honoring its rich history. As a part of the festivities, residents will have opportunities for free admission to several local attractions, such as Leu Gardens and the Mennello Museum of American Art.
A dedicated website will be established to facilitate the sharing of residents’ experiences and stories related to the historical tapestry of Orlando, inviting everyone to be a part of this significant moment in the city’s narrative. With numerous events on the horizon, the city is poised to create memorable experiences that connect its residents with Orlando’s past, present, and future.
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Additional Resources
- Your Community Paper: City Encourages History Submissions
- Wikipedia: Orlando, Florida
- Orlando Weekly: 150th Anniversary Celebration
- Google Search: Orlando 150th anniversary
- Florida Politics: Orlando’s 150th Anniversary
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Orlando
- Click Orlando: Year-Long Celebration for Orlando’s 150th
- Google News: Orlando history
