The Winter Garden Heritage Foundation’s (WGHF) mission:
To preserve local history and create cultural experiences that will enrich the lives of families for future generations.
We proudly preserve history for the communities of West Orange County including, but not limited to, Dr. Phillips, Gotha, Killarney, Oakland, Ocoee, Windermere, and Winter Garden.
The WGHF is a small dynamic organization that includes a Heritage Museum, Railroad Museum, Family History Center and Theatre. We are engaged in activities including, but not limited to, the identification, documentation, evaluation and protection of West Orange County’s cultural and physical history and character. Public education will be in the form of a fully accredited school visitation program, theatre programs, historic walking tours, heritage events, historic workshops, displays, written resource materials and presentations.
Our museums, theatre and a dedicated friendly volunteer staff combines to make a trip to downtown Winter Garden, Florida an exciting and educational experience.
The WGHF is a 501(c)(3) corporation and open seven days a week from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm.
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HISTORY
1. We started with one train depot that became a Museum.
2. We began gathering and preserving West Orange County’s family’s histories.
3. We have provided families a sense of "place" and belonging by preserving a "taste" of the past.
4. We are operated by a small number of friendly local volunteers.
5. We are a fully accredited 501 © (3) corporation in the State of Florida.
TODAY
1. We are the only Museum in our area.
2. We are open seven days a week from 1pm to 5pm.
3. Visitation has steadily increased to over 4,000 visitors per year in a community of only 20,000.
4. We have an active accredited educational visitation program for local schools.
5. We provide quarterly exhibits focusing on our West Orange area local history.
6. We have become a repository for over 3,000 local family histories.
7. We have grown to two museums, a family history center and now the historic theatre.
8. We are operated by friendly, committed volunteers and a small paid staff.
9. We are a compilation of the reasons our community is here: Farming/Citrus/Fishing/Railroads/Climate/Water.
TOMORROW
1. We will provide a dramatic increase to the number of visitors to historic Winter Garden.
2. We will provide new, innovative, exciting cultural and educational experiences for our West Orange County families and schools.
3. We will offer a safe and wholesome alternative to expensive mega-attractions.
4. Our new theatre will become a showcase for local talent and community gatherings.
5. Our accredited school visitation program will enrich our rapidly growing community.
6. The only performing arts theatre in our area will provide plays, recitals, movies for kids and adults and much more for our community’s enjoyment.
DONATIONS: $3,000,000.00 |
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