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, it has been an integral part of the preservation and revitalization of Winter Garden’s Downtown Historic District, 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 organization a moving force behind the restoration of the District and a strong voice promoting historic preservation.

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Today, the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation continues 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, Education, and Visitors’ Information Center, located in the Healthy West Orange Heritage and Cultural Center, which houses an extensive archive documenting the area’s past; and the Central Florida Railroad Museum, which showcases the influence of the railroad in the development of Florida.

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The Heritage Museum is wheelchair accessible, and the Healthy West Orange Heritage and Cultural Center is ADA compliant.