Osceola History Center’s new exhibit is all about girl power! Read on to find out how the suffrage movement played out in Central Florida and see what else is coming up at Pioneer Village.
Rightfully Hers
The Osceola County Welcome Center & History Museum is hosting a new pop-up exhibition from the National Archives, Rightfully Hers, commemorating the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment. Rightfully Hers contains simple messages exploring the history of the ratification of the 19th Amendment, women’s voting rights before and after the 19th, and its impact today. Despite decades of marches, petitions, and public debate to enshrine a woman’s right to vote in the constitution, the 19th Amendment – while an enormous milestone – did not grant voting rights for all. The challenges of its passage reverberate to the ongoing fight for gender equity today.
This Rightfully Hers exhibit runs through November 30, 2020. The History Museum is open Tuesday – Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is located at 4155 W. Vine Street in Kissimmee.
In conjunction with the Rightfully Hers exhibit, Osceola History will host a special free program on November 5, 2020, featuring Kathryn Chesley portraying Carrie Chapman Catt, who was one of the leaders in the suffrage movement. Catt served as president of the National American Woman Suffrage Association and she is credited with getting the last state to vote to pass the amendment.
Doors open at 6 p.m. and the program will begin at 6:30 p.m. Seating will be limited to allow for social distancing. To accommodate those who cannot attend, the program will be available on Osceola History’s Facebook Live.
For more information about the program, email Community Relations Manager Mia Overton.
Email a Curator
What’s the oddest artifact in the Osceola History collection?
How do you care for the buildings at Pioneer Village?
How often do you have to clean the taxidermy at the History Museum?
How many hours a day do the baby alligators sleep?
Join the, for international Ask-A-Curator Day on September 16. Curator Michelle Finnegan will be available on Twitter and Facebook from 1 to 2 p.m. to answer your questions.
Living History Days at Pioneer Village
Introducing a new event starting in October! Living History Days will be held at Pioneer Village the second Saturday of each month and will feature re-enactors, period demonstrations, and themed activities each month. These events will allow Pioneer Village to provide a unique visitor experience, while at the same time taking the appropriate precautions to ensure the safety of guests, volunteers, and staff.
Living History Day Admission Special: Adults $8 + free admission for two children.
Pioneer Day Update – Due to the ongoing concerns related to the coronavirus pandemic, we have decided to postpone Pioneer Day for 2020. We look forward to being back on schedule in 2021.
Help rebuild the Chickees & Cow Camp at Pioneer Village
There’s still time to give!
The fundraiser to support the repairs and restoration of the Seminole chickees and cow camp at Pioneer Village continues through September 30. These structures are part of the permanent collection at Pioneer Village and help tell the story of life in early Osceola County. Please consider contributing to the fundraiser to repair and restore these structures. Your donation will help them reach their $7,000 goal. DONATE HERE.
Annual Meeting
The Annual Meeting of the Osceola History membership will be held Thursday, September 17. Members will have the option of participating in person or online. The meeting will begin at 6 p.m. at the Osceola County Welcome Center & History Museum. To participate online, visit the Osceola History website; the link will be posted in red at the top of the home page.
The meeting will highlight the ways they have re-imagined sharing Osceola County history with residents and visitors, both in-person and online. The guest speaker will be DT Minich, president, and CEO of Experience Kissimmee, who will give an update on ways their organization is encouraging people to safely visit Osceola County attractions.
For more information about the Annual Meeting, email Executive Director Kimberly Murray.