Golden Roots: The Citrus Legacy of Winter Park

Winter Parks Citrus legacy will come alive by telling the stories of the pioneers and landowners who established the citrus industry, this exhibit will uplift the often untold stories of Black farmhands, and seasonal laborers who sustained the groves, honoring their contributions to weave a more inclusive narrative of Winter Park’s agricultural past. Stories will be brought to life through photographs, oral histories and period tools, immersing visitors in the daily lives of citrus barons and field hands in equal measure.

Historical maps will illustrate the transformation of land from untamed wilderness to neatly ordered groves and packinghouses. Central to the exhibit will be stories of the innovation of the Temple Orange, the Dinky Line Railroad and resilience - especially in the face of devastating freezes - highlighting themes of endurance and evolution that mirror Winter Park’s growth as a cultural and economic destination.

The Winter Park History Museum is housed in the historic Farmers Market building, originally constructed in 1927. This 900-square-foot space once served as the central office where local growers conducted transactions for citrus and other produce destined for markets across the country via rail, from the late 1920s through the 1950s. The Museum plans to recreate this historically significant setting as part of its upcoming Golden Roots exhibit, offering visitors an immersive experience that highlights the region’s rich agricultural heritage.