News Summary
Orlando is set to mark its 150th anniversary by releasing the 2026 Historic Preservation Calendar, showcasing the city’s iconic ‘painted ladies.’ Featuring vibrant colors, this year’s calendar aims to highlight Orlando’s architectural heritage while engaging the community in preservation efforts. Homeowners can submit photographs of eligible structures, and selected contributors will receive an honorarium. Free copies of the calendar will be distributed at key locations, promoting appreciation for the city’s rich history and culture.
Orlando will celebrate its 150th anniversary with the release of the 2026 Historic Preservation Calendar, which will feature vibrant colors for the first time since 2006. This year’s calendar will focus on Orlando’s iconic “painted ladies,” showcasing homes that highlight the city’s rich architectural heritage.
The Historic Preservation Board of the City of Orlando has organized this calendar since 1989 to illuminate the significance of old buildings, historic districts, and unique architectural elements throughout the city. The initiative aims to promote awareness and appreciation for Orlando’s historical structures while also engaging the community in its preservation.
A “painted lady” is characterized by being a residence painted in three or more colors that accentuate its architectural details. Orlando’s colorful homes are reminiscent of the Victorian painted ladies found in cities like San Francisco, famously depicted in the popular sitcom “Full House.” Such homes serve as visual reminders of the city’s diverse architectural styles and cultural narratives.
For the 2026 calendar, structures eligible for submission must be at least 50 years old and located within Orlando’s historic neighborhoods. However, these homes do not necessarily have to reside in one of the six official historic preservation districts. This opens up opportunities for a broader range of homeowners to participate in showcasing the charm of their residences.
Homeowners interested in contributing to the calendar may submit up to three photographs of their chosen “painted lady” structures. The submission deadline is July 7. Photographs will undergo a blind judging process conducted by members of the Historic Preservation Board, ensuring impartiality in selecting the winning images.
In recognition of their contributions, each selected photographer will receive a $100 honorarium as part of their acknowledgment for showcasing Orlando’s unique architectural beauty.
The production of the color calendar is made possible through the sponsorship of McCoy Federal Credit Union. Their support plays a vital role in the efforts to promote local history and preservation initiatives across the city.
Starting in December, free copies of the calendar will be available for residents and visitors at key locations including City Hall, Leu Gardens, and The Orange County Regional History Center, while supplies last. This initiative allows the broader community to engage with and appreciate the rich history and vibrant culture of Orlando.
The Historic Preservation Calendar serves as a valuable tool in fostering an appreciation for Orlando’s architectural landscape and encourages residents to contribute to the city’s historical narrative. The focus on “painted ladies” not only highlights the beauty of these structures but also emphasizes the importance of preserving the stories and heritage that these homes represent.
As Orlando gears up for its 150th anniversary, the 2026 Historic Preservation Calendar serves as both a celebration of the past and a step towards promoting future preservation efforts. Engaging the community in this way ensures that the history of Orlando remains alive and relevant for generations to come.
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Additional Resources
- Your Community Paper: City Seeks Photographers for Colorful 2026 Historic Calendar
- Wikipedia: Historic Preservation
- Bungalower: City of Orlando Accepting Submissions for the 2026 Historic Preservation Board Calendar
- Google Search: Orlando historic preservation
- Orlando Sentinel: Ex-Commissioner, State Senator Raise Ruckus Over Winter Park Commissioner’s Home
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Architecture
- WFTV: Enter for a Chance to be Part of Orlando’s 2025 Historic Preservation Board Calendar Contest
- Google News: Orlando architecture
