When you drop into the Orange County Regional History Center to see the latest major exhibition or browse the ongoing displays that tell the region’s story, make sure you check out the little history-related gems in corners where you might not expect them.
The history center has a regular schedule of what it calls “pocket” exhibits.
They’re a fraction of the size of major exhibitions but just as engaging. Typically, these mini-displays are in the main lobby of the 1927 courthouse that serves as the history center’s home—but they’ve also been installed in staircase landings and elevator lobbies.
“They highlight subjects that may not warrant a full-gallery treatment, but allow us a way to commemorate historic milestones, anniversaries or showcase a specific collection—all in a format that’s manageable within our existing exhibition schedule,” says Katie Kelley, curator of exhibitions.
A pocket exhibit might contain 10 to 30 historical objects compared to at least 100 for such large exhibitions as Orlando Collected, which was produced in honor of the city’s 150th anniversary and remains on view through January 11, 2026.
The 85’ers, the pocket exhibit on view through October 26, celebrates Orlando’s contributions to the first U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team and its important ties to the area through the University of Central Florida. And on November 8, a pocket exhibit opens to honor the Audubon Society of Florida’s 125th anniversary. Established to protect the state’s bird populations, especially from the plume trade, the chapter held its first meeting in 1900 at the L.F. Dommerich estate in Maitland.
Two additional pocket exhibits during the 2025-26 season will pay tribute to the Orlando Sentinel on its 150th anniversary and to Altermese Bentley, an educator, historian and writer dedicated to preserving Black heritage in Central Florida.
