The Orange County Regional History Center will be jumping around the timeline in April. The events range from famous shipwrecks in central Florida to real-life crimes from the 1990s.
First up is Friday’s lunch and learning session, “Tales of RMS Titanic.” Speaker Emily Colan looks back at the dramatic shipwreck of 1912 and tells the story of the survivors who ended up in Central Florida. Admission is $5 ($17 with lunch), but free for History Center members who pay $12 for the lunch option.
On Saturday’s “History Alive” program, the museum harkens back to Orlando’s so-called Hollywood East era, when Disney and Universal produced movies and animated feature films here. In this day’s activities, you’ll dabble in stop-motion animation and the multiplane camera technique invented by Walt Disney and made famous in “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.” Design your own retro citrus label and take a guided museum tour. The history center is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
A related “Animationland” exhibit, on view through May 3 at the museum in downtown Orlando, further delves into the experience of Central Florida’s animation industry.
History center spotlights animation process and Disney productions
But wait, the 90s are still here. April 17th is After Dark: ’90s Nights. Expect real crime. Participants act as jurors and sometimes judges in courtroom reenactments. It combines throwback games, photography, trivia, boy band poster making, retro drinks, and a variety of nostalgic activities.
The museum lists this as an “adults only” event. Admission is $20 ($15 for History Center members and $10 for students).
We conclude this month with our continued Brechner Speaker Series. On April 26, author Leslie Kemp Poole will talk about her book, Tracing the Travels of Florida: Explorers, Travelers, and Landscapes Then and Now, and her thoughts after retracing 18th century naturalist William Bartram’s path to Florida.
For more information, tickets and registration, visit thehistorycenter.org.
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News, notes and nuggets
• The Easter Bunny Garden Experience will once again be held at Icon Park, located in the space beneath the Orlando Eye. The costumed character photo package includes a free carousel ride for children under 13, as well as discounts at The Eye, Madame Tussauds and Sea Life Aquarium. Available until 7pm daily, reservations recommended. Details: easterbunnygarden experience.square.site
• Easter Sunrise Service, hosted by Z88.3 Radio, will be held again on Sunday at Bayside Stadium at SeaWorld Orlando. Joel Hunter, a longtime pastor in Central Florida, will share his Easter message with music by Jeremy Rosado (“American Idol,” “The Voice”). Parking will be available at 4:15 a.m., gates will open at 5 a.m., and service will begin at 6:30 a.m. The event and parking are free. Registration and details: ZRadio.org
• Island H2O Water Park announces After Dark’s “Islands Night Live!” The series returns on May 16th and will feature rap artist Rick Ross. The event will include live music, a DJ, a “glow bubble” party, and a lineup of water slide attractions. Tickets are $49.99. Fat Joe is booked for the August 15th edition, with more artists to be announced. Details: IslandH20waterpark.com
• Orlando Museum of Fantasy will host its first ever “Sensory Friendly” day on April 18 from 10 a.m. to noon. Icon Park attractions will limit capacity, dim lights, turn down music and disable exciting exhibits. The museum plans to add monthly hands-on time in the future. Advance tickets are $19.99. More information: MOIOrlando.com
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