The mission of the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation is to preserve the heritage and architecture of West Orange County, while creating new cultural experiences.

Since 1994, the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation has been an integral part of the preservation and revitalization of historic downtown Winter Garden, fostering an understanding of the social, cultural, economic, and environmental transformations that have shaped the area. The Foundation was formed when plans arose to demolish Winter Garden’s historic Edgewater Hotel, making the Foundation the moving force behind the restoration of the downtown historic district and a strong voice promoting historic preservation.

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Today, the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation continues to accomplish its mission by operating three locations in the heart of Winter Garden: the Heritage Museum, which features exhibits on the rich history of West Orange County; the History Research and Education Center and Visitors’ Center, which houses an extensive archive documenting the area’s past; and the Central Florida Railroad Museum, which showcases the influence the railroad has had in the development of Florida.