From the WGHF Archives 01.08.15

This photo depicts the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation’s History Center when it was first established at 32 W. Plant St. in Flip Sterns’ former Western Auto store after he sold the space to Jerry Chicone in 2001.

Chicone donated it to the foundation for three years rent free, and it was used to house the historic collection and foundation offices. In the window, a small mannequin wears the military uniform made for former WGHF Executive Director Rod Reeves by his mother, Mae, when he was a child.

The new WGHF History Research and Education Center at 21 E. Plant St. opens officially during a celebration from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 11. The public is invited to stop by and see the beautiful new space constructed to collect, preserve and display the heritage and history of West Orange County.

The Winter Garden Heritage Foundation, which seeks to preserve our heritage and architecture while creating new cultural experiences, is celebrating its third decade with the debut of its new History Research and Education Center.