Hannibal Square Heritage Center

Outstanding experience from start to finish, Josh and the entire team at Orlando Mini changed my thoughts on car buying for life. I love my new Mini and can't wait to visit for free carwash Saturdays. 'Oh, the place we will go!'

Hannibal Square is a historic district in Winter Park on New England Avenue two blocks west of Park Avenue, between Virginia and Pennsylvania Avenues. Winter Park sprang up around a railroad track laid in 1880 by the South Florida Railroad that connected Orlando to Sanford. Hannibal Square was founded in 1881 as an African-American community of laborers who built the town and worked as domestic servants to the areas wealthy families. The people who lived in Hannibal Square had educational opportunities, prosperity, and professional standing. The railroad tracks served as the dividing line in the town with whites living on the east side and blacks to the west. The Hannibal Square Heritage Center was created in 2007 by the Crealdé School of Art in partnership with the city of Winter Park. The museum was created to showcase the past, present, and future contributions of the African-American community. The museum displays their permanent exhibit, Heritage Collection: Photographs and Oral Histories of West Winter Park. The collection is 100 framed archival photographs of West Winter Park residents spanning the 20th century. Another museum exhibit is the Hannibal Square Time Line, documenting local and nation's events in the African-American community since the Emancipation Proclamation. In addition the museum hosts visiting rotating exhibitions that document the black experience. The current exhibit is social justice quilts created by the Charmettes Club and it is running until August 27th. The museum also offers historical walking tours. Admission to the Hannibal Square Heritage Center is free, You can do a self tour as I did or arrange for a guided tour. The museum is small but packed with history that shows love and pride for the community. I love a free history museum. There are a number of restaurants and other museums and attractions within walking distance of charming Hannibal Square.

Very very good. Please check it out. Make sure that you call ahead because the hours seem inconsistent to what is on the website.

I was attracted to this place by the statue of a Tuskegee airman standing on the porch. It is a great place to learn about black history in Winter Park, Florida.

Important: call ahead or email to make an appt: very friendly and accommodating but visits are by appt!

Great location. Beautiful restaurants in the Square, walking distance to Azalea Park, University Club Golf Course

The Heritage center is an historic treasure that preserves the lives of the original in habitants of Winter Park. The center welcomes people from all cultural backgrounds. We each have a story to tell a culture to share.

Great people , great display and great way to learn some African American history in winter park Florida Orlando

Hannibal Square is a historic district in Winter Park on New England Avenue two blocks west of Park Avenue, between Virginia and Pennsylvania Avenues. Winter Park sprang up around a railroad track laid in 1880 by the South Florida Railroad that connected Orlando to Sanford. Hannibal Square was founded in 1881 as an African-American community of laborers who built the town and worked as domestic servants to the areas wealthy families. The people who lived in Hannibal Square had educational opportunities, prosperity, and professional standing. The railroad tracks served as the dividing line in the town with whites living on the east side and blacks to the west. The Hannibal Square Heritage Center was created in 2007 by the Crealdé School of Art in partnership with the city of Winter Park. The museum was created to showcase the past, present, and future contributions of the African-American community. The museum displays their permanent exhibit, Heritage Collection: Photographs and Oral Histories of West Winter Park. The collection is 100 framed archival photographs of West Winter Park residents spanning the 20th century. Another museum exhibit is the Hannibal Square Time Line, documenting local and nation's events in the African-American community since the Emancipation Proclamation. In addition the museum hosts visiting rotating exhibitions that document the black experience. The current exhibit is social justice quilts created by the Charmettes Club and it is running until August 27th. The museum also offers historical walking tours. Admission to the Hannibal Square Heritage Center is free, You can do a self tour as I did or arrange for a guided tour. The museum is small but packed with history that shows love and pride for the community. I love a free history museum. There are a number of restaurants and other museums and attractions within walking distance of charming Hannibal Square.

This place is full of history of our community. They had a great math exhibit there when we went and continue to have many different exhibit that travel through. They even offer classes to the community.

Beyond the restaurants and adorable shops that flank Winter Park's Hannibal Square you'll find the Heritage Center. This unique and historical center has been brought to us by the Crealde School of Art and by local citizens who truly care about preserving the past. They focus on African American history as well as art, families, and the local stories that neighbors have to tell. When you walk into this free establishment, you will immediately see the various black and white photographs they have on display. Each person/family captured has a story to tell and has been brought to the center by someone who wishes to keep their memory alive. While I was there I learned that the "west side" of Winter Park, now known as Hannibal Square was founded in 1881 which was only 40 years after Florida became one of the continental U.S. states, number 27 to be exact. I also was happy to discover that the Center rotates their exhibitions, offers workshops to adults as well as outreach programs for youth and seniors within the Winter Park community. Upstairs, there's also a Family Heritage office staffed by volunteers who will help you trace your roots and gather important genealogical information unique to your family. I was extremely pleased to learn that this service is free considering that almost nothing is anymore. Plus, the kind ladies who do the digging are sweet and very willing to help if they can. So although this is not a large museum housing famous artists or important sculptures, it's vital to the continuation of Winter Park's rich history and strong community values.

Excellent small museum. Essential part of the beautiful and diverse history of Winter Park. I highly recommend you visit -- and be sure to interact with the docents, most have personal experiences growing up in Winter Park.