Bonnie Georgiadis assisting an archeological dig of a Native American burial mound at Weeki Wachee Springs in July of 1970. She is using archeological tools to uncover a vase. The dig was conducted by the University of Florida. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history.
Original color photograph by Elmer "Sparky" Schumacher: Weeki Wachee Springs State Park Weeki Wachee, Florida.
RICHES
Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Weeki Wachee, Florida
General Company Rules for Mermaids, Swimmers & Trainees
Weeki Wachee Springs employee handbook for mermaids, swimmers and trainees. The first four pages detail scheduling rules, dress code and rules of conduct. Some of the rules for mermaids cover what makeup to wear in and out of the water, where to keep bathing suits and costumes, how to act in the villa, how to announce the shows, as well as how to act in public when off duty. Pages 5-10 detail safety measures for diving. There are rules for how to care for the sinus, answers to an air lock test, and a list of diving diseases and their symptoms. Weeki Wachee Springs is a state park that opened to the public in October of 1949 by Newton Perry along with a group of investors. This attraction opened as the roadside era of Florida was ramping up and consisted of an amalgamation of vendors including an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction- the mermaid show that took place in an underwater theatre. The attraction grew to include The May Museum of the Tropics, an ‘abandoned Seminole village’, an show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo. As theme parks became the new norm for Florida’s tourist industry, Weeki Wachee Springs began steadily declining until the state of Florida absorbed the attraction into the state park system in 2008. The attraction now focuses on appealing to a modern audience, while still preserving its rich history.
10-page typewritten handbook by Weeki Wachee Springs, c.1950s: Weeki Wachee Springs State Park Weeki Wachee, Florida.
Letter from John M. May to Directors of St. Petersburg Springs Co (January 28, 1957)
A letter from the owner of the May Museum of the Tropics, John M. May, to the directors of the St. Petersburg Springs Co., owners of Weeki Wachee Springs, dated January 28, 1957. May discusses his concerns with management and inquires about construction plans. The May Natural History Museum of the Tropics is a non-profit organization that displays the world’s largest private insect collection. James May acquired the thousands of insects and arthropods that make up the collection from the late 1800s until his death in 1956. John May continued his father’s legacy, building a museum in Weeki Wachee, Florida, that lasted from 1954-1964, and a museum in Colorado that opened in the 1950s and is still open today. John May also took parts of the collection across the United States and Canada to display at fairs and exhibitions. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history.
Original 1-page typewritten letter from John M. May to Directors of St. Petersburg Springs Co, January 28, 1957: May Natural History Museum Colorado Springs, Colorado.
May Museum of the Tropics, Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Weeki Wachee, Florida
Letter from Myrtle Colson to John M. May (March 28, 1956)
A letter from Myrtle Colson, manager of the May Museum of the Tropics, to the owner of the museum, John M. May, dated March 28, 1956. Myrtle writes that earlier in the day, she allowed an African-American couple to enter the museum, as he had instructed employees to do. Later in the day, after news spread to Joe Seltzer, manager of Weeki Wachee Springs, he reprimanded her and instructed her not to let any other African-Americans in the museum. He also told her to put up a sign that read, "We reserve the right to refuse admission to anyone". Myrtle writes that she tried to defend her decision, citing a Supreme Court decision, to which Seltzer replied that the decision did not apply to the Springs. The May Natural History Museum of the Tropics is a non-profit organization that displays the world’s largest private insect collection. James May acquired the thousands of insects and arthropods that make up the collection from the late 1800s until his death in 1956. John May continued his father’s legacy, building a museum in Weeki Wachee, Florida, that lasted from 1954-1964, and a museum in Colorado that opened in the 1950s and is still open today. John May also took parts of the collection across the United States and Canada to display at fairs and exhibitions. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history.
Original 2-page typewritten letter from Myrtle Colson to John M. May, March 28, 1956: May Natural History Museum Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Letter from Myrtle Colson to John M. May (February 25, 1959)
A letter from Myrtle Colson, manager of the May Museum of the Tropics, to the owner of the museum, John M. May, dated February 25, 1959. Colson discusses a surprise audit from the owners of Weeki Wachee, The Florida Chain of Theaters. She writes that a comptroller visited the museum, inquiring about the museum's accounting books and records of business. The May Natural History Museum of the Tropics is a non-profit organization that displays the world’s largest private insect collection. James May acquired the thousands of insects and arthropods that make up the collection from the late 1800s until his death in 1956. John May continued his father’s legacy, building a museum in Weeki Wachee, Florida, that lasted from 1954-1964, and a museum in Colorado that opened in the 1950s and is still open today. John May also took parts of the collection across the United States and Canada to display at fairs and exhibitions. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history.
Original 2-page typewritten letter from Myrtle Colson to John M. May, February 25, 1959: May Natural History Museum Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Letter from John M. May to John T. Greighten (November 20, 1963)
A letter from John M. May, owner of the May Museum of the Tropics, to John T. Creighten, an employee of the Department of Entomology at the University fo Florida, dated November 20, 1963. replying to Mr. Creighten's interest in the museum and its collection. In response to Creighten's interest in the museum and its collection, May invited him to visit. May points out that the museum would close permanently that December due to decisions made by the owners of Weeki Wachee Springs. The May Natural History Museum of the Tropics is a non-profit organization that displays the world’s largest private insect collection. James May acquired the thousands of insects and arthropods that make up the collection from the late 1800s until his death in 1956. John May continued his father’s legacy, building a museum in Weeki Wachee, Florida, that lasted from 1954-1964, and a museum in Colorado that opened in the 1950s and is still open today. John May also took parts of the collection across the United States and Canada to display at fairs and exhibitions. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history.
Original 1-page typewritten letter from John M. May to John T. Greighten, November 20, 1963: May Natural History Museum Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Letter from Myrtle Colson to John M. May (June 1, 1958)
A letter from Myrtle Colson, manager of the May Museum of the Tropics, to the owner of the museum, John M. May, dated June 1, 1958. Colson tells May about the increasing sales to the museum due to efforts of the new owner of Weeki Wachee Springs, and discusses a new employee. The May Natural History Museum of the Tropics is a non-profit organization that displays the world’s largest private insect collection. James May acquired the thousands of insects and arthropods that make up the collection from the late 1800s until his death in 1956. John May continued his father’s legacy, building a museum in Weeki Wachee, Florida, that lasted from 1954-1964, and a museum in Colorado that opened in the 1950s and is still open today. John May also took parts of the collection across the United States and Canada to display at fairs and exhibitions. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history.
Original 1-page typewritten letter from Myrtle Colson to John M. May, June 1, 1958: May Natural History Museum Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Letter from John M. May to Myrtle Colson (September 27, 1958)
A letter from John M. May, owner of the May Museum of the Tropics, to the manager of the museum, Myrtle Colson, dated September 27, 1958. May reassures Colson that she is doing fine, expressing remorse for the losing an employee and hope that their replacement is a good fit for the position. May also mentions that he is working on creating a sculpture of a hercules beetle that he plans to place in front of the museum to help drum up business. The May Natural History Museum of the Tropics is a non-profit organization that displays the world’s largest private insect collection. James May acquired the thousands of insects and arthropods that make up the collection from the late 1800s until his death in 1956. John May continued his father’s legacy, building a museum in Weeki Wachee, Florida, that lasted from 1954-1964, and a museum in Colorado that opened in the 1950s and is still open today. John May also took parts of the collection across the United States and Canada to display at fairs and exhibitions. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history.
Original 1-page typewritten letter from John M. May to Myrtle Colson, September 27, 1958: May Natural History Museum Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Orchid Gardens at Weeki Wachee Springs. The hothouse, which allowed visitors to view a variety of orchids, was one of the original attractions to join the mermaid show at Weeki Wachee Springs. The May Natural History Museum of the Tropics is a non-profit organization that displays the world’s largest private insect collection. James May acquired the thousands of insects and arthropods that make up the collection from the late 1800s until his death in 1956. John May continued his father’s legacy, building a museum in Weeki Wachee, Florida, that lasted from 1954-1964, and a museum in Colorado that opened in the 1950s and is still open today. John May also took parts of the collection across the United States and Canada to display at fairs and exhibitions. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history.
Original black and white photograph by John M. May: May Natural History Museum Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Orchid Gardens, Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Weeki Wachee, Florida
100 Year Memorial Remembering Roderick Perry Taylor
The Geneva Historical & Genealogical Society, Inc. held a 100 year memorial on October 10, 2018, for Roderick Perry Taylor of Geneva, Florida, and the other 564 people who died on the R.M.S. Leinster when it was hit by three German torpedoes in the Irish Sea on Oct. 10, 1918. Most of those killed were young military men and women. The ceremony was held at 2:00 PM at the Geneva Community Center. While memorials were also held on the same day in Ireland and other Allied countries, this was the only memorial in the United States that honored the six American soldiers who drowned.
Original 30-minute and 26-second audio/video recording, Geneva Community Center, Geneva, Florida.
Geneva Historical & Genealogical Society, Inc.
Geneva Community Center, Geneva, Florida
John May Building the May Museum of the Tropics
John May at the foundation of the May Museum of the Tropics at Weeki Wachee Springs, Florida. The date written on the photograph is November 20th, 1953. The May Natural History Museum of the Tropics is a non-profit organization that displays the world’s largest private insect collection. James May acquired the thousands of insects and arthropods that make up the collection from the late 1800s until his death in 1956. John May continued his father’s legacy, building a museum in Weeki Wachee, Florida, that lasted from 1954-1964, and a museum in Colorado that opened in the 1950s and is still open today. John May also took parts of the collection across the United States and Canada to display at fairs and exhibitions. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history.
Original black and white photograph: May Natural History Museum Colorado Springs, Colorado.
A postcard of Weeki Wachee Springs sometime in the late 1950s. Louise Nan Steer mentions this postcard in her oral history interview because the blonde girl in the pink bathing suit in the center of the postcard is her twin sister, Lynda. The rest of the women are mermaids that worked at the park. Louise stated that several times during photoshoots, the photographer would gather whoever was available to fill the shot. This is how Lynda became a part of the postcard even though she was not a Weeki Wachee mermaid. The May Natural History Museum of the Tropics is a non-profit organization that displays the world’s largest private insect collection. James May acquired the thousands of insects and arthropods that make up the collection from the late 1800s until his death in 1956. John May continued his father’s legacy, building a museum in Weeki Wachee, Florida, that lasted from 1954-1964, and a museum in Colorado that opened in the 1950s and is still open today. John May also took parts of the collection across the United States and Canada to display at fairs and exhibitions. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history.
Weeki Wachee Springs
Original 3.5 x 5 color postcard by Weeki Wachee Springs: May Natural History Museum Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Employee Rules and Regulations for the May Museum of the Tropics
Six pages of the May Museum of the Tropics employee handbook. The owner of the museum, John May, created the handbook for his employees to follow in the 1960s. The table of contents on the first three pages gives insight to what is included in the missing pages of the handbook. The other three pages explain how employees should approach the public, list what actions are and are not permitted, and provide instructions for handling an emergency. The May Natural History Museum of the Tropics is a non-profit organization that displays the world’s largest private insect collection. James May acquired the thousands of insects and arthropods that make up the collection from the late 1800s until his death in 1956. John May continued his father’s legacy, building a museum in Weeki Wachee, Florida, that lasted from 1954-1964, and a museum in Colorado that opened in the 1950s and is still open today. John May also took parts of the collection across the United States and Canada to display at fairs and exhibitions. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history.
Original 8-page typewritten handbook by John May: May Natural History Museum Colorado Springs, Colorado.
May Natural History Museum
Letter from Myrtle Colson to John May (February 11, 1961)
A letter from the manager of the the May Museum of the Tropics, Myrtle Colson, to the owner of the museum, John May. The letter details concerns that the manager was having with an employee as well as her complaints about being excluded from certain business matters. As John May lived in Colorado and the May Museum of the Tropics was located in Florida, communication between employer, employees, and other staff at Weeki Wachee Springs was limited predominantly to letters of correspondence. The May Natural History Museum of the Tropics is a non-profit organization that displays the world’s largest private insect collection. James May acquired the thousands of insects and arthropods that make up the collection from the late 1800s until his death in 1956. John May continued his father’s legacy, building a museum in Weeki Wachee, Florida, that lasted from 1954-1964, and a museum in Colorado that opened in the 1950s and is still open today. John May also took parts of the collection across the United States and Canada to display at fairs and exhibitions. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history.
Original 3-page letter from Myrtle Colson to John May, February 11, 1961: May Natural History Museum Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Construction of Hercules Beetle Sculpture at Weeki Wachee Springs
A team of people guide the placement of a Hercules beetle sculpture in the 1950s. A crane lowers the sculpture in place near the May Museum of the Tropics at Weeki Wachee Springs, Florida. The large beetle sculpture served as an advertisement to attract visitors to the museum. The May Natural History Museum of the Tropics is a non-profit organization that displays the world’s largest private insect collection. James May acquired the thousands of insects and arthropods that make up the collection from the late 1800s until his death in 1956. John May continued his father’s legacy, building a museum in Weeki Wachee, Florida, that lasted from 1954-1964, and a museum in Colorado that opened in the 1950s and is still open today. John May also took parts of the collection across the United States and Canada to display at fairs and exhibitions. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history.
Original black and white photograph by John May: May Natural History Museum Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Entrance to the May Museum of the Tropics
The entrance of the May Museum of the Tropics. Faux thatched roof, tiki sculptures, and a list of countries the insects in the collection came from adorn the space, giving it an exotic feel. The May Natural History Museum of the Tropics is a non-profit organization that displays the world’s largest private insect collection. James May acquired the thousands of insects and arthropods that make up the collection from the late 1800s until his death in 1956. John May continued his father’s legacy, building a museum in Weeki Wachee, Florida, that lasted from 1954-1964, and a museum in Colorado that opened in the 1950s and is still open today. John May also took parts of the collection across the United States and Canada to display at fairs and exhibitions. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history.
The original interior of the May Museum of the Tropics in the 1950s. In the months following the photograph, several specimen began to droop and wilt in the cases due to humidity. The owner, John May, was forced to hand make new display cases out of metal and attach them to a dehumidifier. The May Natural History Museum of the Tropics is a non-profit organization that displays the world’s largest private insect collection. James May acquired the thousands of insects and arthropods that make up the collection from the late 1800s until his death in 1956. John May continued his father’s legacy, building a museum in Weeki Wachee, Florida, that lasted from 1954-1964, and a museum in Colorado that opened in the 1950s and is still open today. John May also took parts of the collection across the United States and Canada to display at fairs and exhibitions. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history.
L.C. Jones, principal of Jones High School in Orlando, Florida, from 1912-1931. When Jones became principal of what was then known as the Johnson Academy, the first area public school for African-Americans was located on the corner of Chatham Avenue and West Jefferson Street in the Parramore/Lorna Doone neighborhood of downtown Orlando. The Jones family donated land a few blocks away on the corner of Parramore Avenue and Washington Street and the newly constructed brick colonial revival building school was renamed in honor Principal Jones in 1921. The school was finally moved to its current location at 801 South Rio Grande Avenue in 1952.
Jones High School
Original black and white photograph: Jones High School Historical Museum, Orlando, Florida.
A.J. Polk, principal of Jones High School in Orlando, Florida, from 1932-1935. While he was principal, the Board of Education built Kentucky Street School, which later became Holden Street Elementary School, and students from first to sixth grade migrated from Jones to the new school. Located in the Parramore/Lorna Doone neighborhood of downtown Orlando, Jones High School was the first area public school for African-Americans. The original building was located on the corner of Garland Avenue and Church Street, but the school was renamed the Johnson Academy and moved to a new building on the corner of Chatham Avenue and West Jefferson Street. In 1921, the school was renamed in honor Principal L. C. Jones and a brick colonial revival building was constructed on the corner of Parramore Avenue and Washington Street. The school was finally moved to its current location at 801 South Rio Grande Avenue in 1952.
Cullen Banks, principal of Jones High School in Orlando, Florida, from 1935-1954. During his tenure, the Orange County School Board built a new school building at 801 South Rio Grande Avenue, which is the current location of the school. Located in the Parramore/Lorna Doone neighborhood of downtown Orlando, Jones High School was the first area public school for African-Americans. The original building was located on the corner of Garland Avenue and Church Street, but the school was renamed the Johnson Academy and moved to a new building on the corner of Chatham Avenue and West Jefferson Street. In 1921, the school was renamed in honor Principal L. C. Jones and a brick colonial revival building was constructed on the corner of Parramore Avenue and Washington Street.
Cecil W. Boston, principal of Jones High School in Orlando, Florida, from 1954-1964. Boston developed a Diversified Cooperative Training Program that allowed students to attend classes in the mornings and work in vocational jobs in the afternoons. Located in the Parramore/Lorna Doone neighborhood of downtown Orlando, Jones High School was the first area public school for African-Americans. The original building was located on the corner of Garland Avenue and Church Street, but the school was renamed the Johnson Academy and moved to a new building on the corner of Chatham Avenue and West Jefferson Street. In 1921, the school was renamed in honor Principal L. C. Jones and a brick colonial revival building was constructed on the corner of Parramore Avenue and Washington Street. The school was finally moved to its current location at 801 South Rio Grande Avenue in 1952.
Claudius J. Manigault, principal of Jones High School in Orlando, Florida, from 1964-1968. During his tenure, Manigault oversaw several expansions of the school and the addition of sports facilities. Located in the Parramore/Lorna Doone neighborhood of downtown Orlando, Jones High School was the first area public school for African-Americans. The original building was located on the corner of Garland Avenue and Church Street, but the school was renamed the Johnson Academy and moved to a new building on the corner of Chatham Avenue and West Jefferson Street. In 1921, the school was renamed in honor Principal L. C. Jones and a brick colonial revival building was constructed on the corner of Parramore Avenue and Washington Street. The school was finally moved to its current location at 801 South Rio Grande Avenue in 1952.
Wilbur S. Gary, principal of Jones High School in Orlando, Florida, from 1968-1975. During the 1969-1970 school year, the courts ordered the desegregation of all schools. Orange county teachers were randomly assigned to schools throughout the county. Located in the Parramore/Lorna Doone neighborhood of downtown Orlando, Jones High School was the first area public school for African-Americans. The original building was located on the corner of Garland Avenue and Church Street, but the school was renamed the Johnson Academy and moved to a new building on the corner of Chatham Avenue and West Jefferson Street. In 1921, the school was renamed in honor Principal L. C. Jones and a brick colonial revival building was constructed on the corner of Parramore Avenue and Washington Street. The school was finally moved to its current location at 801 South Rio Grande Avenue in 1952.
Henry C. Wright, principal of Jones High School in Orlando, Florida, from 1975-1981. During his tenure, Wright expanded the curriculum and some of the school's buildings. Located in the Parramore/Lorna Doone neighborhood of downtown Orlando, Jones High School was the first area public school for African-Americans. The original building was located on the corner of Garland Avenue and Church Street, but the school was renamed the Johnson Academy and moved to a new building on the corner of Chatham Avenue and West Jefferson Street. In 1921, the school was renamed in honor Principal L. C. Jones and a brick colonial revival building was constructed on the corner of Parramore Avenue and Washington Street. The school was finally moved to its current location at 801 South Rio Grande Avenue in 1952.
Clara Walters, principal of Jones High School in Orlando, Florida, from 1981-1990. During her administration, Walters expanded the Foreign Language Department, renovated the auditorium, and added a guidance suite. Located in the Parramore/Lorna Doone neighborhood of downtown Orlando, Jones High School was the first area public school for African-Americans. The original building was located on the corner of Garland Avenue and Church Street, but the school was renamed the Johnson Academy and moved to a new building on the corner of Chatham Avenue and West Jefferson Street. In 1921, the school was renamed in honor Principal L. C. Jones and a brick colonial revival building was constructed on the corner of Parramore Avenue and Washington Street. The school was finally moved to its current location at 801 South Rio Grande Avenue in 1952.
Victoria Johnson, principal of Jones High School in Orlando, Florida, from 1990-1991. During her one term, high school competency test scores rose significantly. Located in the Parramore/Lorna Doone neighborhood of downtown Orlando, Jones High School was the first area public school for African-Americans. The original building was located on the corner of Garland Avenue and Church Street, but the school was renamed the Johnson Academy and moved to a new building on the corner of Chatham Avenue and West Jefferson Street. In 1921, the school was renamed in honor Principal L. C. Jones and a brick colonial revival building was constructed on the corner of Parramore Avenue and Washington Street. The school was finally moved to its current location at 801 South Rio Grande Avenue in 1952.
Eddie Sneed, principal of Jones High School in Orlando, Florida, from 1991-1999. During his tenure, Sneed over the conversion of the wood shop to a technology lab, curriculum expansion and the opening of the Jones High School Historical Museum. Located in the Parramore/Lorna Doone neighborhood of downtown Orlando, Jones High School was the first area public school for African-Americans. The original building was located on the corner of Garland Avenue and Church Street, but the school was renamed the Johnson Academy and moved to a new building on the corner of Chatham Avenue and West Jefferson Street. In 1921, the school was renamed in honor Principal L. C. Jones and a brick colonial revival building was constructed on the corner of Parramore Avenue and Washington Street. The school was finally moved to its current location at 801 South Rio Grande Avenue in 1952.
Andrew Jenkins, principal of Jones High School in Orlando, Florida, from 1999-2003. During his tenure, Jenkins served as President of the Orange County Association of Secondary School Principals, oversaw the establishment of the Academy of Business and Industry, improved the school's infrastructure and assisted in obtaining several grants. Located in the Parramore/Lorna Doone neighborhood of downtown Orlando, Jones High School was the first area public school for African-Americans. The original building was located on the corner of Garland Avenue and Church Street, but the school was renamed the Johnson Academy and moved to a new building on the corner of Chatham Avenue and West Jefferson Street. In 1921, the school was renamed in honor Principal L. C. Jones and a brick colonial revival building was constructed on the corner of Parramore Avenue and Washington Street. The school was finally moved to its current location at 801 South Rio Grande Avenue in 1952.
Original color photograph: Jones High School Historical Museum, Orlando, Florida.
Lorenzo Phillips, principal of Jones High School in Orlando, Florida, from 2003-2006. With the support of Blue Cross Blue Shield and Florida State University, Phillips helped the Medical Arts Magnet make enormous strides. Located in the Parramore/Lorna Doone neighborhood of downtown Orlando, Jones High School was the first area public school for African-Americans. The original building was located on the corner of Garland Avenue and Church Street, but the school was renamed the Johnson Academy and moved to a new building on the corner of Chatham Avenue and West Jefferson Street. In 1921, the school was renamed in honor Principal L. C. Jones and a brick colonial revival building was constructed on the corner of Parramore Avenue and Washington Street. The school was finally moved to its current location at 801 South Rio Grande Avenue in 1952.
Teachers at the Johnson Academy. Standing from left to right is Mr. Gruggie, Mrs. Douglas, Mrs. Crooms, Mrs. Jackson, Mrs. Hill and Mrs. Hopkins. Sitting from left to right is Mrs. Proctor, Mrs. Henderson, Professor Jones, Mrs. Murrell and Mrs. Thomas. Located in the Parramore/Lorna Doone neighborhood of downtown Orlando, Jones High School was the first area public school for African-Americans. The original building was located on the corner of Garland Avenue and Church Street, but the school was renamed the Johnson Academy and moved to a new building on the corner of Chatham Avenue and West Jefferson Street. In 1921, the school was renamed in honor Principal L. C. Jones and a brick colonial revival building was constructed on the corner of Parramore Avenue and Washington Street. The school was finally moved to its current location at 801 South Rio Grande Avenue in 1952.
Jones High School Tenth Grade Class, 1928
Jones High School's tenth grade class of 1928. Three rows of 16 children pose in front of the school with a teacher and Principal L.C. Jones. Located in the Parramore/Lorna Doone neighborhood of downtown Orlando, Jones High School was the first area public school for African-Americans. The original building was located on the corner of Garland Avenue and Church Street, but the school was renamed the Johnson Academy and moved to a new building on the corner of Chatham Avenue and West Jefferson Street. In 1921, the school was renamed in honor Principal L. C. Jones and a brick colonial revival building was constructed on the corner of Parramore Avenue and Washington Street.
Jones High School students from the 1920s. Three rows of 29 male students pose in front of the school. The boys all wear hats and one holds and American flag. Located in the Parramore/Lorna Doone neighborhood of downtown Orlando, Jones High School was the first area public school for African-Americans. The original building was located on the corner of Garland Avenue and Church Street, but the school was renamed the Johnson Academy and moved to a new building on the corner of Chatham Avenue and West Jefferson Street. In 1921, the school was renamed in honor Principal L. C. Jones and a brick colonial revival building was constructed on the corner of Parramore Avenue and Washington Street. The school was finally moved to its current location at 801 South Rio Grande Avenue in 1952.
Jones High School Twelfth Grade Class, 1931
Jones High School's twelfth grade class of 1931. This was the first class to go through all 12 years at the renamed school. Located in the Parramore/Lorna Doone neighborhood of downtown Orlando, Jones High School was the first area public school for African-Americans. The original building was located on the corner of Garland Avenue and Church Street, but the school was renamed the Johnson Academy and moved to a new building on the corner of Chatham Avenue and West Jefferson Street. In 1921, the school was renamed in honor Principal L. C. Jones and a brick colonial revival building was constructed on the corner of Parramore Avenue and Washington Street. The school was finally moved to its current location at 801 South Rio Grande Avenue in 1952.
Jones High School in the 1940s. Located in the Parramore/Lorna Doone neighborhood of downtown Orlando, Jones High School was the first area public school for African-Americans. The original building was located on the corner of Garland Avenue and Church Street, but the school was renamed the Johnson Academy and moved to a new building on the corner of Chatham Avenue and West Jefferson Street. In 1921, the school was renamed in honor Principal L. C. Jones and a brick colonial revival building was constructed on the corner of Parramore Avenue and Washington Street. The school was finally moved to its current location at 801 South Rio Grande Avenue in 1952.
Jones High School in 1957. Located in the Parramore/Lorna Doone neighborhood of downtown Orlando, Jones High School was the first area public school for African-Americans. The original building was located on the corner of Garland Avenue and Church Street, but the school was renamed the Johnson Academy and moved to a new building on the corner of Chatham Avenue and West Jefferson Street. In 1921, the school was renamed in honor Principal L. C. Jones and a brick colonial revival building was constructed on the corner of Parramore Avenue and Washington Street. The school was finally moved to its current location at 801 South Rio Grande Avenue in 1952.
Jones High School in 1962. The aerial view of the high school was featured in the Sixteenth Annual North State Band Festival Program for the Florida Association of Band Directors. Located in the Parramore/Lorna Doone neighborhood of downtown Orlando, Jones High School was the first area public school for African-Americans. The original building was located on the corner of Garland Avenue and Church Street, but the school was renamed the Johnson Academy and moved to a new building on the corner of Chatham Avenue and West Jefferson Street. In 1921, the school was renamed in honor Principal L. C. Jones and a brick colonial revival building was constructed on the corner of Parramore Avenue and Washington Street. The school was finally moved to its current location at 801 South Rio Grande Avenue in 1952.
Jones High School in the 1970s. A sign reads, "Welcome to Jones High School", and a school bus and several cars are parked outside. Located in the Parramore/Lorna Doone neighborhood of downtown Orlando, Jones High School was the first area public school for African-Americans. The original building was located on the corner of Garland Avenue and Church Street, but the school was renamed the Johnson Academy and moved to a new building on the corner of Chatham Avenue and West Jefferson Street. In 1921, the school was renamed in honor Principal L. C. Jones and a brick colonial revival building was constructed on the corner of Parramore Avenue and Washington Street. The school was finally moved to its current location at 801 South Rio Grande Avenue in 1952.
Jones High School Home Economics class in 1957. The photograph appeared in the 1957 Jones High School yearbook. Located in the Parramore/Lorna Doone neighborhood of downtown Orlando, Jones High School was the first area public school for African-Americans. The original building was located on the corner of Garland Avenue and Church Street, but the school was renamed the Johnson Academy and moved to a new building on the corner of Chatham Avenue and West Jefferson Street. In 1921, the school was renamed in honor Principal L. C. Jones and a brick colonial revival building was constructed on the corner of Parramore Avenue and Washington Street. The school was finally moved to its current location at 801 South Rio Grande Avenue in 1952.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Visits Orlando
On March 6th, 1964, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. came to Orlando and gave a speech at Tinker Field. Appearing in the photograph at the steps of the Shiloh Baptist Church in Orlando from left to right is John Truesdell, Frank O’Neill, Mabel Richardson, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Sandra Poston Johnson, Rev. Jim Perry and Rosemary Budley. Located in the Parramore/Lorna Doone neighborhood of downtown Orlando, Jones High School was the first area public school for African-Americans. The original building was located on the corner of Garland Avenue and Church Street, but the school was renamed the Johnson Academy and moved to a new building on the corner of Chatham Avenue and West Jefferson Street. In 1921, the school was renamed in honor Principal L. C. Jones and a brick colonial revival building was constructed on the corner of Parramore Avenue and Washington Street. The school was finally moved to its current location at 801 South Rio Grande Avenue in 1952.
Newspaper collage from the 1970 Jones High School yearbook. The articles describe the Orange County teachers strike of 1969, in which 27 teachers stayed home in protest of the county's decision to move black students to white schools and convert their former schools to other uses. The county implemented this policy after the courts ordered desegregation in all schools. Three of four black high schools were converted, but Jones High was spared. Located in the Parramore/Lorna Doone neighborhood of downtown Orlando, Jones High School was the first area public school for African-Americans. The original building was located on the corner of Garland Avenue and Church Street, but the school was renamed the Johnson Academy and moved to a new building on the corner of Chatham Avenue and West Jefferson Street. In 1921, the school was renamed in honor Principal L. C. Jones and a brick colonial revival building was constructed on the corner of Parramore Avenue and Washington Street. The school was finally moved to its current location at 801 South Rio Grande Avenue in 1952.
Original newspaper clippings: Jones High School Historical Museum, Orlando, Florida.
Newspaper collage from the 1970 Jones High School yearbook. The articles describe a lottery in which teachers' names were drawn from a fishbowl to determine which school they would be assigned to. The county implemented this policy after the courts ordered desegregation in all schools. Located in the Parramore/Lorna Doone neighborhood of downtown Orlando, Jones High School was the first area public school for African-Americans. The original building was located on the corner of Garland Avenue and Church Street, but the school was renamed the Johnson Academy and moved to a new building on the corner of Chatham Avenue and West Jefferson Street. In 1921, the school was renamed in honor Principal L. C. Jones and a brick colonial revival building was constructed on the corner of Parramore Avenue and Washington Street. The school was finally moved to its current location at 801 South Rio Grande Avenue in 1952.
An integrated class assembly at Jones High School in 1970. The photograph appeared in the Jones High School yearbook that year. Located in the Parramore/Lorna Doone neighborhood of downtown Orlando, Jones High School was the first area public school for African-Americans. The original building was located on the corner of Garland Avenue and Church Street, but the school was renamed the Johnson Academy and moved to a new building on the corner of Chatham Avenue and West Jefferson Street. In 1921, the school was renamed in honor Principal L. C. Jones and a brick colonial revival building was constructed on the corner of Parramore Avenue and Washington Street. The school was finally moved to its current location at 801 South Rio Grande Avenue in 1952.
A Jones High School classroom in 1972. The photograph appeared in the 1972 Jones High School yearbook. Located in the Parramore/Lorna Doone neighborhood of downtown Orlando, Jones High School was the first area public school for African-Americans. The original building was located on the corner of Garland Avenue and Church Street, but the school was renamed the Johnson Academy and moved to a new building on the corner of Chatham Avenue and West Jefferson Street. In 1921, the school was renamed in honor Principal L. C. Jones and a brick colonial revival building was constructed on the corner of Parramore Avenue and Washington Street. The school was finally moved to its current location at 801 South Rio Grande Avenue in 1952.
Jones High School in 1985. The photograph appeared in the Jones High School yearbook that year. Located in the Parramore/Lorna Doone neighborhood of downtown Orlando, Jones High School was the first area public school for African-Americans. The original building was located on the corner of Garland Avenue and Church Street, but the school was renamed the Johnson Academy and moved to a new building on the corner of Chatham Avenue and West Jefferson Street. In 1921, the school was renamed in honor Principal L. C. Jones and a brick colonial revival building was constructed on the corner of Parramore Avenue and Washington Street. The school was finally moved to its current location at 801 South Rio Grande Avenue in 1952.
A graduating class at Jones High School. Located in the Parramore/Lorna Doone neighborhood of downtown Orlando, Jones High School was the first area public school for African-Americans. The original building was located on the corner of Garland Avenue and Church Street, but the school was renamed the Johnson Academy and moved to a new building on the corner of Chatham Avenue and West Jefferson Street. In 1921, the school was renamed in honor Principal L. C. Jones and a brick colonial revival building was constructed on the corner of Parramore Avenue and Washington Street. The school was finally moved to its current location at 801 South Rio Grande Avenue in 1952.
Jones High School Historical Society, Inc.
The Jones High School Historical Society Inc. was formed in 1995 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the schools founding in 1895. The historical society opened and maintains a museum on site at Jones High School. James “Chief” Wilson and Audrey Reicherts appear in the photograph. Located in the Parramore/Lorna Doone neighborhood of downtown Orlando, Jones High School was the first area public school for African-Americans. The original building was located on the corner of Garland Avenue and Church Street, but the school was renamed the Johnson Academy and moved to a new building on the corner of Chatham Avenue and West Jefferson Street. In 1921, the school was renamed in honor Principal L. C. Jones and a brick colonial revival building was constructed on the corner of Parramore Avenue and Washington Street. The school was finally moved to its current location at 801 South Rio Grande Avenue in 1952.
A painting by Mattie L. Starke, who was a librarian and Jones High School. The painting hangs in the Jones High School Located in the Parramore/Lorna Doone neighborhood of downtown Orlando, Jones High School was the first area public school for African-Americans. The original building was located on the corner of Garland Avenue and Church Street, but the school was renamed the Johnson Academy and moved to a new building on the corner of Chatham Avenue and West Jefferson Street. In 1921, the school was renamed in honor Principal L. C. Jones and a brick colonial revival building was constructed on the corner of Parramore Avenue and Washington Street. The school was finally moved to its current location at 801 South Rio Grande Avenue in 1952.
Original color painting: Jones High School Historical Museum, Orlando, Florida.
A flyer for a history harvest conducted by the GLBT History Museum of Central Florida and the University of Central Florida's RICHES program on January 14, 2017. The harvest was held at The LGBT Center of Central Florida, located at 946 North Mills Avenue in Orlando, Florida. The purpose of the event was to collect, preserve and digitally share photographs, documents and objects related to GLBT history in Central Florida.
Original color flyer: RICHES, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida.
The LGBT Center of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida
A planning document for a display at the Orange County Regional History Center in Orlando, Florida. The exhibition, entitled "Pride, Prejudice and Protest", chronicles the history of the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender community, sharing the progress and setbacks of the Central Florida LGBTQ+ community over the past five decades. The planning document is divided into three columns: Text, Theme and Image or Artifact.
GLBT History Museum of Central Florida, Inc.
Original color planning document: GLBT History Museum of Central Florida, Inc., Orlando, Florida.
Orange County Regional History Center, Orlando, Florida
An oral history interview of Debbie Simmons, the co-owner of Shelbie Press and a founding member of the Metropolitan Business Association (MBA), an organization supporting LGBTQ businesses in Orlando, FL. As MBA president, she also helped found Come Out with Pride and the LGBTQ History Museum of Central Florida. This interview was conducted by Sara Raffel at Shelbie Press in Orlando, Florida, on June 16th, 2018. Some of the topics covered include attending the first gay pride parade in Orlando, founding the Metropolitan Business Association, facilitating a network of allies and inspiring activism, working with the Human Relations Board of the City of Orlando, building an LGBTQ+ community and collaborating with other groups, forming Come Out With Pride, the history of the gay rights movement, preserving the history of the LGBTQ+ community, her favorite memory from work at GLBT History Museum of Central Florida, organizing the first exposition of the Metropolitan Business Association, how the small business community impacted the LGBTQ+ community, omitting references to homosexuality in the organization’s name, and goals and challenges for the GLBT Museum of Central Florida and the Metropolitan Business Association.
Simmons, Debbie. Interviewed by Sara Raffel, June 16, 2018. Audio record available. RICHES of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida.
GLBT History Museum of Central Florida
Shelbie Press Print & Copy, Orlando, Florida
Metropolitan Business Association, Orlando, Florida
Joy Metropolitan Community Church, Orlando, Florida
Glass jars containing white roses are lined up in Don Dudley Park in Orlando, Florida. The jars would be filled with soil samples to commemorate victims of lynching. Although Julius "July" Perry was not lynched in the park, the location was chosen based on the account that it occurred in an area overlooking Lake Concord in view of Judge Cheney's home. The Alliance for Truth and Justice (ATJ) is a volunteer-based organization that engages with the community to promote education concerning the truth of local history and to advocate justice for those who have been harmed by inequities born of prejudice. ATJ builds on the work of Montgomery-based Equal Justice Initiative as well as the local efforts of Democracy Forum, the West Orange Reconciliation Task Force, and the Ocoee Human Relations Diversity Board. This project is rooted in acknowledging the 1920 Election Day Massacre in Orange County and all of the violence committed in the name of white supremacy. Their mission statement says that they are "working to create a more hopeful, collaborative, and just society for every person in Orange County, Florida."
Original color photographs by Phelan M. Ebenhack: Alliance for Truth and Justice, Orange County, Florida.
Tremaine Quinton Berryhill digs soil in Don Dudley Park in Orlando, Florida, on October 8, 2018, to commemorate Orange County lynching victims. Although Julius "July" Perry was not lynched in the park, the location was chosen based on the account that it occurred in an area overlooking Lake Concord in view of Judge Cheney's home. The Alliance for Truth and Justice (ATJ) is a volunteer-based organization that engages with the community to promote education concerning the truth of local history and to advocate justice for those who have been harmed by inequities born of prejudice. ATJ builds on the work of Montgomery-based Equal Justice Initiative as well as the local efforts of Democracy Forum, the West Orange Reconciliation Task Force, and the Ocoee Human Relations Diversity Board. This project is rooted in acknowledging the 1920 Election Day Massacre in Orange County and all of the violence committed in the name of white supremacy. Their mission statement says that they are "working to create a more hopeful, collaborative, and just society for every person in Orange County, Florida."
Sandy Cawthern, Jeanine Taylor, Joy Wallace Dickinson, Francina Boykin, Charley Williams and Harry Coverston
Sandy Cawthern, Jeanine Taylor, Joy Wallace Dickinson, Francina Boykin, Charley Williams and Harry Coverston gather soil samples from Don Dudley Park in Orlando, Florida, on October 8, 2018, and place them into glass jars to commemorate Orange County lynching victims. Although Julius "July" Perry was not lynched in the park, the location was chosen based on the account that it occurred in an area overlooking Lake Concord in view of Judge Cheney's home. The Alliance for Truth and Justice (ATJ) is a volunteer-based organization that engages with the community to promote education concerning the truth of local history and to advocate justice for those who have been harmed by inequities born of prejudice. ATJ builds on the work of Montgomery-based Equal Justice Initiative as well as the local efforts of Democracy Forum, the West Orange Reconciliation Task Force, and the Ocoee Human Relations Diversity Board. This project is rooted in acknowledging the 1920 Election Day Massacre in Orange County and all of the violence committed in the name of white supremacy. Their mission statement says that they are "working to create a more hopeful, collaborative, and just society for every person in Orange County, Florida."
Josie Lemon Allen places soil samples from Don Dudley Park in Orlando, Florida, on October 8, 2018, into glass jars to commemorate Orange County lynching victims. Although Julius "July" Perry was not lynched in the park, the location was chosen based on the account that it occurred in an area overlooking Lake Concord in view of Judge Cheney's home. The Alliance for Truth and Justice (ATJ) is a volunteer-based organization that engages with the community to promote education concerning the truth of local history and to advocate justice for those who have been harmed by inequities born of prejudice. ATJ builds on the work of Montgomery-based Equal Justice Initiative as well as the local efforts of Democracy Forum, the West Orange Reconciliation Task Force, and the Ocoee Human Relations Diversity Board. This project is rooted in acknowledging the 1920 Election Day Massacre in Orange County and all of the violence committed in the name of white supremacy. Their mission statement says that they are "working to create a more hopeful, collaborative, and just society for every person in Orange County, Florida."
Pamela Grady, Kristin Congdon, Dayle Steakley, Ann Patton, Sandy Cawthern, Charlotte Fleming, Joy Wallace Dickerson, Lawanda Hughley and Demetrius Summerville
Collecting soil at Julius "July" Perry's gravesite in Greenwood Cemetery in Orlando, Florida, on November 3, 2018. Pamela Grady, Kristin Congdon, Dayle Steakley, Ann Patton, Sandy Cawthern, Charlotte Fleming, Joy Wallace Dickerson, Lawanda Hughley and Demetrius Summerville are featured standing from left to right. An unidentified woman and young girl scoop soil into a jar. The Alliance for Truth and Justice (ATJ) is a volunteer-based organization that engages with the community to promote education concerning the truth of local history and to advocate justice for those who have been harmed by inequities born of prejudice. ATJ builds on the work of Montgomery-based Equal Justice Initiative as well as the local efforts of Democracy Forum, the West Orange Reconciliation Task Force, and the Ocoee Human Relations Diversity Board. This project is rooted in acknowledging the 1920 Election Day Massacre in Orange County and all of the violence committed in the name of white supremacy. Their mission statement says that they are "working to create a more hopeful, collaborative, and just society for every person in Orange County, Florida."
Original color photograph by Willie J. Allen Jr.: Alliance for Truth and Justice, Orange County, Florida.
Olokunkemi Ojelofun Olamina, George Oliver, Ann Patton, Joan Erwin and Lawanda Hughley
Soil collection at Greenwood Cemetery in Orlando, Florida, on November 3, 2018. Holding hands, from left to right, is Olokunkemi Ojelofun Olamina, George Oliver, Ann Patton, Joan Erwin and Lawanda Hughley. The site was chosen because Julius "July" Perry is buried there. The Alliance for Truth and Justice (ATJ) is a volunteer-based organization that engages with the community to promote education concerning the truth of local history and to advocate justice for those who have been harmed by inequities born of prejudice. ATJ builds on the work of Montgomery-based Equal Justice Initiative as well as the local efforts of Democracy Forum, the West Orange Reconciliation Task Force, and the Ocoee Human Relations Diversity Board. This project is rooted in acknowledging the 1920 Election Day Massacre in Orange County and all of the violence committed in the name of white supremacy. Their mission statement says that they are "working to create a more hopeful, collaborative, and just society for every person in Orange County, Florida."
Ruth King sings to a crowd of people at Julius "July" Perry's gravesite in Greenwood Cemetery in Orlando, Florida, on November 3, 2018. The Alliance for Truth and Justice (ATJ) is a volunteer-based organization that engages with the community to promote education concerning the truth of local history and to advocate justice for those who have been harmed by inequities born of prejudice. ATJ builds on the work of Montgomery-based Equal Justice Initiative as well as the local efforts of Democracy Forum, the West Orange Reconciliation Task Force, and the Ocoee Human Relations Diversity Board. This project is rooted in acknowledging the 1920 Election Day Massacre in Orange County and all of the violence committed in the name of white supremacy. Their mission statement says that they are "working to create a more hopeful, collaborative, and just society for every person in Orange County, Florida."
Josie Lemon Allen and Olokunkemi Ojelofun Olamina
Josie Lemon Allen and Olokunkemi Ojelofun Olamina with a jar of soil in Greenwood Cemetery in Orlando, Florida, on November 3, 2018. The text on the jar reads, "Jules Perry Ocoee, FL November 3, 1920." The site was chosen because Julius "July" Perry is buried there. The Alliance for Truth and Justice (ATJ) is a volunteer-based organization that engages with the community to promote education concerning the truth of local history and to advocate justice for those who have been harmed by inequities born of prejudice. ATJ builds on the work of Montgomery-based Equal Justice Initiative as well as the local efforts of Democracy Forum, the West Orange Reconciliation Task Force, and the Ocoee Human Relations Diversity Board. This project is rooted in acknowledging the 1920 Election Day Massacre in Orange County and all of the violence committed in the name of white supremacy. Their mission statement says that they are "working to create a more hopeful, collaborative, and just society for every person in Orange County, Florida."
Hands held together in Greenwood Cemetery in Orlando, Florida, on November 3, 2018. The site was chosen for collecting soil samples because Julius "July" Perry is buried there. The Alliance for Truth and Justice (ATJ) is a volunteer-based organization that engages with the community to promote education concerning the truth of local history and to advocate justice for those who have been harmed by inequities born of prejudice. ATJ builds on the work of Montgomery-based Equal Justice Initiative as well as the local efforts of Democracy Forum, the West Orange Reconciliation Task Force, and the Ocoee Human Relations Diversity Board. This project is rooted in acknowledging the 1920 Election Day Massacre in Orange County and all of the violence committed in the name of white supremacy. Their mission statement says that they are "working to create a more hopeful, collaborative, and just society for every person in Orange County, Florida."
The headstone of Julius "July" Perry, surrounded by white flowers, stones, shells and a strip of stickers that read, "I VOTED." The Alliance for Truth and Justice (ATJ) is a volunteer-based organization that engages with the community to promote education concerning the truth of local history and to advocate justice for those who have been harmed by inequities born of prejudice. ATJ builds on the work of Montgomery-based Equal Justice Initiative as well as the local efforts of Democracy Forum, the West Orange Reconciliation Task Force, and the Ocoee Human Relations Diversity Board. This project is rooted in acknowledging the 1920 Election Day Massacre in Orange County and all of the violence committed in the name of white supremacy. Their mission statement says that they are "working to create a more hopeful, collaborative, and just society for every person in Orange County, Florida."
Mary Clare Allen, Valada Flewellyn, Connor Allen, Ida Law, Joy Wallace Dickinson and Harry Coverston
Soil collection at the West Orange Girls Club in Ocoee, Florida, on September 8, 2018. Featured in the photograph are Mary Clare Allen, Valada Flewellyn, Connor Allen, Ida Law, Joy Wallace Dickinson and Harry Coverston. The site of the soil collection is in the general area of where a shootout occurred between Julius "July" Perry and a white mob. The Alliance for Truth and Justice (ATJ) is a volunteer-based organization that engages with the community to promote education concerning the truth of local history and to advocate justice for those who have been harmed by inequities born of prejudice. ATJ builds on the work of Montgomery-based Equal Justice Initiative as well as the local efforts of Democracy Forum, the West Orange Reconciliation Task Force, and the Ocoee Human Relations Diversity Board. This project is rooted in acknowledging the 1920 Election Day Massacre in Orange County and all of the violence committed in the name of white supremacy. Their mission statement says that they are "working to create a more hopeful, collaborative, and just society for every person in Orange County, Florida."
Rachel Allen and her daughter, Mary Clare Allen, fill a jar of soil at the West Orange Girls Club in Ocoee, Florida, on September 8, 2018. The site of the soil collection is in the general area of where a shootout occurred between Julius "July" Perry and a white mob. The Alliance for Truth and Justice (ATJ) is a volunteer-based organization that engages with the community to promote education concerning the truth of local history and to advocate justice for those who have been harmed by inequities born of prejudice. ATJ builds on the work of Montgomery-based Equal Justice Initiative as well as the local efforts of Democracy Forum, the West Orange Reconciliation Task Force, and the Ocoee Human Relations Diversity Board. This project is rooted in acknowledging the 1920 Election Day Massacre in Orange County and all of the violence committed in the name of white supremacy. Their mission statement says that they are "working to create a more hopeful, collaborative, and just society for every person in Orange County, Florida."
Amy Lalanne, Josie Lemon Allen, Sandy Cawthern and Harry Coverston
Soil collection near the West Orange Girls Club in Ocoee, Florida, on September 8, 2018. Featured in the photograph are Amy Lalanne, her unidentified daughter, Josie Lemon Allen, Sandy Cawthern and Harry Coverston. The site of the soil collection is in the general area of where a shootout occurred between Julius "July" Perry and a white mob. The Alliance for Truth and Justice (ATJ) is a volunteer-based organization that engages with the community to promote education concerning the truth of local history and to advocate justice for those who have been harmed by inequities born of prejudice. ATJ builds on the work of Montgomery-based Equal Justice Initiative as well as the local efforts of Democracy Forum, the West Orange Reconciliation Task Force, and the Ocoee Human Relations Diversity Board. This project is rooted in acknowledging the 1920 Election Day Massacre in Orange County and all of the violence committed in the name of white supremacy. Their mission statement says that they are "working to create a more hopeful, collaborative, and just society for every person in Orange County, Florida."
Rachel Allen and Josie Lemon Allen speak at the Winter Park Community Center, Winter Park, Florida. The topic of the discussion was "Ocoee and Beyond". The Alliance for Truth and Justice (ATJ) is a volunteer-based organization that engages with the community to promote education concerning the truth of local history and to advocate justice for those who have been harmed by inequities born of prejudice. ATJ builds on the work of Montgomery-based Equal Justice Initiative as well as the local efforts of Democracy Forum, the West Orange Reconciliation Task Force, and the Ocoee Human Relations Diversity Board. This project is rooted in acknowledging the 1920 Election Day Massacre in Orange County and all of the violence committed in the name of white supremacy. Their mission statement says that they are "working to create a more hopeful, collaborative, and just society for every person in Orange County, Florida."
Winter Park Community Center, Winter Park, Florida
Josie Lemon Allen leads a discussion about the Ocoee Massacre at the Winter Park Woman's Club on April 24, 2018. The Alliance for Truth and Justice (ATJ) is a volunteer-based organization that engages with the community to promote education concerning the truth of local history and to advocate justice for those who have been harmed by inequities born of prejudice. ATJ builds on the work of Montgomery-based Equal Justice Initiative as well as the local efforts of Democracy Forum, the West Orange Reconciliation Task Force, and the Ocoee Human Relations Diversity Board. This project is rooted in acknowledging the 1920 Election Day Massacre in Orange County and all of the violence committed in the name of white supremacy. Their mission statement says that they are "working to create a more hopeful, collaborative, and just society for every person in Orange County, Florida."
Woman's Club of Winter Park, Winter Park, Florida
A conversation on race at the Winter Park Woman's Club on April 24, 2018. The Alliance for Truth and Justice (ATJ) is a volunteer-based organization that engages with the community to promote education concerning the truth of local history and to advocate justice for those who have been harmed by inequities born of prejudice. ATJ builds on the work of Montgomery-based Equal Justice Initiative as well as the local efforts of Democracy Forum, the West Orange Reconciliation Task Force, and the Ocoee Human Relations Diversity Board. This project is rooted in acknowledging the 1920 Election Day Massacre in Orange County and all of the violence committed in the name of white supremacy. Their mission statement says that they are "working to create a more hopeful, collaborative, and just society for every person in Orange County, Florida."
Patty Reynolds and A History of Racial Injustice Calendars
Patty Reynolds behind a table with stacks of calendars, entitled "A History of Racial Injustice", at a screening of the 60-minute documentary, "The Yard", at the First Unitarian Church of Orlando. The event took place on March 7, 2019, from 6:30pm to 9:00 pm, with a $10 suggested donation. The screening of the film was followed by a panel discussion that included the filmmaker. Partners in the event included Equal Justice Initiative (EJI), First Unitarian Church of Orlando, Peace and Justice Institute (Valencia College), Bridge the Gap Coalition, Global Peace Film Festival, Hannibal Square Heritage Center, League of Women Voters of Orange County, UCF RICHES Program, and Iota Phi Theta Fraternity Inc. (Orlando Chapter). The Alliance for Truth and Justice (ATJ) is a volunteer-based organization that engages with the community to promote education concerning the truth of local history and to advocate justice for those who have been harmed by inequities born of prejudice. ATJ builds on the work of Montgomery-based Equal Justice Initiative as well as the local efforts of Democracy Forum, the West Orange Reconciliation Task Force, and the Ocoee Human Relations Diversity Board. This project is rooted in acknowledging the 1920 Election Day Massacre in Orange County and all of the violence committed in the name of white supremacy. Their mission statement says that they are "working to create a more hopeful, collaborative, and just society for every person in Orange County, Florida."
Original color photographs by Emily Wray: Alliance for Truth and Justice, Orange County, Florida.
First Unitarian Church of Orlando, Orlando, Florida
Sandy Cawthern with a sign-in sheet at a screening of the 60-minute documentary, "The Yard", at the First Unitarian Church of Orlando. The event took place on March 7, 2019, from 6:30pm to 9:00 pm, with a $10 suggested donation. The screening of the film was followed by a panel discussion that included the filmmaker. Partners in the event included Equal Justice Initiative (EJI), First Unitarian Church of Orlando, Peace and Justice Institute (Valencia College), Bridge the Gap Coalition, Global Peace Film Festival, Hannibal Square Heritage Center, League of Women Voters of Orange County, UCF RICHES Program, and Iota Phi Theta Fraternity Inc. (Orlando Chapter). The Alliance for Truth and Justice (ATJ) is a volunteer-based organization that engages with the community to promote education concerning the truth of local history and to advocate justice for those who have been harmed by inequities born of prejudice. ATJ builds on the work of Montgomery-based Equal Justice Initiative as well as the local efforts of Democracy Forum, the West Orange Reconciliation Task Force, and the Ocoee Human Relations Diversity Board. This project is rooted in acknowledging the 1920 Election Day Massacre in Orange County and all of the violence committed in the name of white supremacy. Their mission statement says that they are "working to create a more hopeful, collaborative, and just society for every person in Orange County, Florida."
Truth and Justice Project Orange County Banners
Two banners for the Truth and Justice Project, Orange County, at a screening of the 60-minute documentary, "The Yard", at the First Unitarian Church of Orlando. The event took place on March 7, 2019, from 6:30pm to 9:00 pm, with a $10 suggested donation. The screening of the film was followed by a panel discussion that included the filmmaker. Partners in the event included Equal Justice Initiative (EJI), First Unitarian Church of Orlando, Peace and Justice Institute (Valencia College), Bridge the Gap Coalition, Global Peace Film Festival, Hannibal Square Heritage Center, League of Women Voters of Orange County, UCF RICHES Program, and Iota Phi Theta Fraternity Inc. (Orlando Chapter). The Alliance for Truth and Justice (ATJ) is a volunteer-based organization that engages with the community to promote education concerning the truth of local history and to advocate justice for those who have been harmed by inequities born of prejudice. ATJ builds on the work of Montgomery-based Equal Justice Initiative as well as the local efforts of Democracy Forum, the West Orange Reconciliation Task Force, and the Ocoee Human Relations Diversity Board. This project is rooted in acknowledging the 1920 Election Day Massacre in Orange County and all of the violence committed in the name of white supremacy. Their mission statement says that they are "working to create a more hopeful, collaborative, and just society for every person in Orange County, Florida."
Wrestling with Our Understanding of Race and Ethnicity
A poster board on an easel with instructions that encourage sharing one's experiences about race and ethnicity using just six words by adding their thoughts to a sticky note and leaving it for others to read. The display was set up outside a screening of the 60-minute documentary, "The Yard", at the First Unitarian Church of Orlando. The event took place on March 7, 2019, from 6:30pm to 9:00 pm, with a $10 suggested donation. The screening of the film was followed by a panel discussion that included the filmmaker. Partners in the event included Equal Justice Initiative (EJI), First Unitarian Church of Orlando, Peace and Justice Institute (Valencia College), Bridge the Gap Coalition, Global Peace Film Festival, Hannibal Square Heritage Center, League of Women Voters of Orange County, UCF RICHES Program, and Iota Phi Theta Fraternity Inc. (Orlando Chapter). The Alliance for Truth and Justice (ATJ) is a volunteer-based organization that engages with the community to promote education concerning the truth of local history and to advocate justice for those who have been harmed by inequities born of prejudice. ATJ builds on the work of Montgomery-based Equal Justice Initiative as well as the local efforts of Democracy Forum, the West Orange Reconciliation Task Force, and the Ocoee Human Relations Diversity Board. This project is rooted in acknowledging the 1920 Election Day Massacre in Orange County and all of the violence committed in the name of white supremacy. Their mission statement says that they are "working to create a more hopeful, collaborative, and just society for every person in Orange County, Florida."
Mayor William "Bill Rawls, Jr. at a screening of the 60-minute documentary, "The Yard", at the First Unitarian Church of Orlando. Rawls became the first African-American mayor of the city of Brownsville, Tennessee, in 2014. The event took place on March 7, 2019, from 6:30pm to 9:00 pm, with a $10 suggested donation. The screening of the film was followed by a panel discussion that included the filmmaker. Partners in the event included Equal Justice Initiative (EJI), First Unitarian Church of Orlando, Peace and Justice Institute (Valencia College), Bridge the Gap Coalition, Global Peace Film Festival, Hannibal Square Heritage Center, League of Women Voters of Orange County, UCF RICHES Program, and Iota Phi Theta Fraternity Inc. (Orlando Chapter). The Alliance for Truth and Justice (ATJ) is a volunteer-based organization that engages with the community to promote education concerning the truth of local history and to advocate justice for those who have been harmed by inequities born of prejudice. ATJ builds on the work of Montgomery-based Equal Justice Initiative as well as the local efforts of Democracy Forum, the West Orange Reconciliation Task Force, and the Ocoee Human Relations Diversity Board. This project is rooted in acknowledging the 1920 Election Day Massacre in Orange County and all of the violence committed in the name of white supremacy. Their mission statement says that they are "working to create a more hopeful, collaborative, and just society for every person in Orange County, Florida."
Audience at First Unitarian Church of Orlando
The audience at a screening of the 60-minute documentary, "The Yard", at the First Unitarian Church of Orlando. The event took place on March 7, 2019, from 6:30pm to 9:00 pm, with a $10 suggested donation. The screening of the film was followed by a panel discussion that included the filmmaker. Partners in the event included Equal Justice Initiative (EJI), First Unitarian Church of Orlando, Peace and Justice Institute (Valencia College), Bridge the Gap Coalition, Global Peace Film Festival, Hannibal Square Heritage Center, League of Women Voters of Orange County, UCF RICHES Program, and Iota Phi Theta Fraternity Inc. (Orlando Chapter). The Alliance for Truth and Justice (ATJ) is a volunteer-based organization that engages with the community to promote education concerning the truth of local history and to advocate justice for those who have been harmed by inequities born of prejudice. ATJ builds on the work of Montgomery-based Equal Justice Initiative as well as the local efforts of Democracy Forum, the West Orange Reconciliation Task Force, and the Ocoee Human Relations Diversity Board. This project is rooted in acknowledging the 1920 Election Day Massacre in Orange County and all of the violence committed in the name of white supremacy. Their mission statement says that they are "working to create a more hopeful, collaborative, and just society for every person in Orange County, Florida."
Josie Lemon Allen at a screening of the 60-minute documentary, "The Yard", at the First Unitarian Church of Orlando. The event took place on March 7, 2019, from 6:30pm to 9:00 pm, with a $10 suggested donation. The screening of the film was followed by a panel discussion that included the filmmaker. Partners in the event included Equal Justice Initiative (EJI), First Unitarian Church of Orlando, Peace and Justice Institute (Valencia College), Bridge the Gap Coalition, Global Peace Film Festival, Hannibal Square Heritage Center, League of Women Voters of Orange County, UCF RICHES Program, and Iota Phi Theta Fraternity Inc. (Orlando Chapter). The Alliance for Truth and Justice (ATJ) is a volunteer-based organization that engages with the community to promote education concerning the truth of local history and to advocate justice for those who have been harmed by inequities born of prejudice. ATJ builds on the work of Montgomery-based Equal Justice Initiative as well as the local efforts of Democracy Forum, the West Orange Reconciliation Task Force, and the Ocoee Human Relations Diversity Board. This project is rooted in acknowledging the 1920 Election Day Massacre in Orange County and all of the violence committed in the name of white supremacy. Their mission statement says that they are "working to create a more hopeful, collaborative, and just society for every person in Orange County, Florida."
Charley Williams and John Ashworth at a screening of the 60-minute documentary, "The Yard", at the First Unitarian Church of Orlando. The event took place on March 7, 2019, from 6:30pm to 9:00 pm, with a $10 suggested donation. The screening of the film was followed by a panel discussion that included the filmmaker. Partners in the event included Equal Justice Initiative (EJI), First Unitarian Church of Orlando, Peace and Justice Institute (Valencia College), Bridge the Gap Coalition, Global Peace Film Festival, Hannibal Square Heritage Center, League of Women Voters of Orange County, UCF RICHES Program, and Iota Phi Theta Fraternity Inc. (Orlando Chapter). The Alliance for Truth and Justice (ATJ) is a volunteer-based organization that engages with the community to promote education concerning the truth of local history and to advocate justice for those who have been harmed by inequities born of prejudice. ATJ builds on the work of Montgomery-based Equal Justice Initiative as well as the local efforts of Democracy Forum, the West Orange Reconciliation Task Force, and the Ocoee Human Relations Diversity Board. This project is rooted in acknowledging the 1920 Election Day Massacre in Orange County and all of the violence committed in the name of white supremacy. Their mission statement says that they are "working to create a more hopeful, collaborative, and just society for every person in Orange County, Florida."
Charley Williams at a screening of the 60-minute documentary, "The Yard", at the First Unitarian Church of Orlando. The event took place on March 7, 2019, from 6:30pm to 9:00 pm, with a $10 suggested donation. The screening of the film was followed by a panel discussion that included the filmmaker. Partners in the event included Equal Justice Initiative (EJI), First Unitarian Church of Orlando, Peace and Justice Institute (Valencia College), Bridge the Gap Coalition, Global Peace Film Festival, Hannibal Square Heritage Center, League of Women Voters of Orange County, UCF RICHES Program, and Iota Phi Theta Fraternity Inc. (Orlando Chapter). The Alliance for Truth and Justice (ATJ) is a volunteer-based organization that engages with the community to promote education concerning the truth of local history and to advocate justice for those who have been harmed by inequities born of prejudice. ATJ builds on the work of Montgomery-based Equal Justice Initiative as well as the local efforts of Democracy Forum, the West Orange Reconciliation Task Force, and the Ocoee Human Relations Diversity Board. This project is rooted in acknowledging the 1920 Election Day Massacre in Orange County and all of the violence committed in the name of white supremacy. Their mission statement says that they are "working to create a more hopeful, collaborative, and just society for every person in Orange County, Florida."
John Ashworth at a screening of the 60-minute documentary, "The Yard", at the First Unitarian Church of Orlando. The event took place on March 7, 2019, from 6:30pm to 9:00 pm, with a $10 suggested donation. The screening of the film was followed by a panel discussion that included the filmmaker. Partners in the event included Equal Justice Initiative (EJI), First Unitarian Church of Orlando, Peace and Justice Institute (Valencia College), Bridge the Gap Coalition, Global Peace Film Festival, Hannibal Square Heritage Center, League of Women Voters of Orange County, UCF RICHES Program, and Iota Phi Theta Fraternity Inc. (Orlando Chapter). The Alliance for Truth and Justice (ATJ) is a volunteer-based organization that engages with the community to promote education concerning the truth of local history and to advocate justice for those who have been harmed by inequities born of prejudice. ATJ builds on the work of Montgomery-based Equal Justice Initiative as well as the local efforts of Democracy Forum, the West Orange Reconciliation Task Force, and the Ocoee Human Relations Diversity Board. This project is rooted in acknowledging the 1920 Election Day Massacre in Orange County and all of the violence committed in the name of white supremacy. Their mission statement says that they are "working to create a more hopeful, collaborative, and just society for every person in Orange County, Florida."
John Reyer Afamasaga, Tim Huebner and Margaret Vandiver
John Reyer Afamasaga, Tim Huebner and Margaret Vandiver at a screening of the 60-minute documentary, "The Yard", at the First Unitarian Church of Orlando. The event took place on March 7, 2019, from 6:30pm to 9:00 pm, with a $10 suggested donation. The screening of the film was followed by a panel discussion that included the filmmaker. Partners in the event included Equal Justice Initiative (EJI), First Unitarian Church of Orlando, Peace and Justice Institute (Valencia College), Bridge the Gap Coalition, Global Peace Film Festival, Hannibal Square Heritage Center, League of Women Voters of Orange County, UCF RICHES Program, and Iota Phi Theta Fraternity Inc. (Orlando Chapter). The Alliance for Truth and Justice (ATJ) is a volunteer-based organization that engages with the community to promote education concerning the truth of local history and to advocate justice for those who have been harmed by inequities born of prejudice. ATJ builds on the work of Montgomery-based Equal Justice Initiative as well as the local efforts of Democracy Forum, the West Orange Reconciliation Task Force, and the Ocoee Human Relations Diversity Board. This project is rooted in acknowledging the 1920 Election Day Massacre in Orange County and all of the violence committed in the name of white supremacy. Their mission statement says that they are "working to create a more hopeful, collaborative, and just society for every person in Orange County, Florida."
John Ashworth, John Reyer Afamasaga, Tim Huebner and Margaret Vandiver
John Ashworth, John Reyer Afamasaga, Tim Huebner and Margaret Vandiver at a screening of the 60-minute documentary, "The Yard", at the First Unitarian Church of Orlando. The event took place on March 7, 2019, from 6:30pm to 9:00 pm, with a $10 suggested donation. The screening of the film was followed by a panel discussion that included the filmmaker. Partners in the event included Equal Justice Initiative (EJI), First Unitarian Church of Orlando, Peace and Justice Institute (Valencia College), Bridge the Gap Coalition, Global Peace Film Festival, Hannibal Square Heritage Center, League of Women Voters of Orange County, UCF RICHES Program, and Iota Phi Theta Fraternity Inc. (Orlando Chapter). The Alliance for Truth and Justice (ATJ) is a volunteer-based organization that engages with the community to promote education concerning the truth of local history and to advocate justice for those who have been harmed by inequities born of prejudice. ATJ builds on the work of Montgomery-based Equal Justice Initiative as well as the local efforts of Democracy Forum, the West Orange Reconciliation Task Force, and the Ocoee Human Relations Diversity Board. This project is rooted in acknowledging the 1920 Election Day Massacre in Orange County and all of the violence committed in the name of white supremacy. Their mission statement says that they are "working to create a more hopeful, collaborative, and just society for every person in Orange County, Florida."
Charley Williams, William "Bill" Rawls, Jr. and John Ashworth
Charley Williams, William "Bill" Rawls, Jr. and John Ashworth at a screening of the 60-minute documentary, "The Yard", at the First Unitarian Church of Orlando. The event took place on March 7, 2019, from 6:30pm to 9:00 pm, with a $10 suggested donation. The screening of the film was followed by a panel discussion that included the filmmaker. Partners in the event included Equal Justice Initiative (EJI), First Unitarian Church of Orlando, Peace and Justice Institute (Valencia College), Bridge the Gap Coalition, Global Peace Film Festival, Hannibal Square Heritage Center, League of Women Voters of Orange County, UCF RICHES Program, and Iota Phi Theta Fraternity Inc. (Orlando Chapter). The Alliance for Truth and Justice (ATJ) is a volunteer-based organization that engages with the community to promote education concerning the truth of local history and to advocate justice for those who have been harmed by inequities born of prejudice. ATJ builds on the work of Montgomery-based Equal Justice Initiative as well as the local efforts of Democracy Forum, the West Orange Reconciliation Task Force, and the Ocoee Human Relations Diversity Board. This project is rooted in acknowledging the 1920 Election Day Massacre in Orange County and all of the violence committed in the name of white supremacy. Their mission statement says that they are "working to create a more hopeful, collaborative, and just society for every person in Orange County, Florida."
A typewritten card containing the schedule of the Liberal Religious Youth, which was an autonomous youth group affiliated with the Unitarian Universalist Association. The group had a presence in Orlando and was responsible for organizing and conducting civil rights demonstrations during the 1960s, including sit-ins at segregated lunch counters and going to other segregated establishments such as theaters and pools. A notable demonstration by the Orlando group was their sit-in at Stroud's Rex Hall Drug Store on March 9, 1961. The Liberal Religious Youth group in Orlando was composed of white and black students generally between the ages of fourteen and nineteen. They met in the library and Gore Hall building of the First Unitarian Church of Orlando at 1901 East Robinson Street. The group disbanded in 1982.
Digital reproduction of original typewritten card: First Unitarian Church of Orlando.
First Unitarian Church of Orlando
First Unitarian Church of Orlando, Florida
Proposed Charter of the Orlando Ministerial Association
Proposed charter for the Orlando Ministerial Association, which was a group of white, black and Jewish clergymen whose goal was to meet the social, moral and religious problems of Orlando. The association was open to people of all races and creeds, making it one of the few integrated associations in Orlando at the time. The charter committee included Fred A. Corliss, J. E. Williams, E. Page, J. C. Fuller, R. B. Hemingway and J. M. Phipps.
Digital reproduction of original typewritten reports, March 5, 1956: First Unitarian Church of Orlando.
Minutes of Charter Meeting, February 20, 1958
The Orlando Ministerial Association's minutes of a charter meeting on February 20, 1958. The meeting was held at Temple Israel in Winter Springs, Florida. The association was founded with the purpose of being "open to all clergymen of Orlando regardless of faith or race or creed" and to "attempt to meet the challenge and development of Orlando, with its concomitant social, moral and religious problems, through the unified thinking and action of all religious leaders". The document lists the charter members and the elections of officers. The minutes were recorded by John C. Fuller of the First Orlando Unitarian Church, who was the secretary of the association at this time. There are handwritten edits on both documents.
Digital reproduction of original typewritten reports, February 20, 1958: First Unitarian Church of Orlando.
Minutes of Monthly Meeting, March 6, 1958
Minutes of a monthly meeting of the Orlando Ministerial Association. The meeting was held on March 6, 1958, at the temple of Liberal Judaism in Orlando, Florida. The document introduces a number of new members and mentions that the minutes of the charter meeting were approved. The record also mentions that a member brought up that a charter needed to be composed, which the rest of the group attending agreed with. The document was written by John C. Fuller, who was Secretary of the Orlando Ministerial Association.
Digital reproduction of original typewritten report, March 6, 1958: First Unitarian Church of Orlando.
Temple of Liberal Judaism, Orlando, Florida
Minutes of Monthly Meeting, April 3, 1958
Minutes of a monthly meeting of the Orlando Ministerial Association. The meeting was held on April 3, 1958, at the Y.M.C.A. in Orlando, Florida. According to the document, a number of visitors became members during the meeting and it was decided that all members would pay one dollar until set dues were voted upon. The proposed charter was read to the members and discussed. The members decided that the charter should state that the association would confine itself to Greater Orlando. The meeting concluded with Reverend Staggers and Rabbi Kurz giving a presentation about the topic "Problems Facing Ministers in this Community". The document was written by John C. Fuller, who was Secretary of the Orlando Ministerial Association.
Digital reproduction of original typewritten report, April 3, 1958: First Unitarian Church of Orlando.
Minutes of a monthly meeting of the Orlando Ministerial Association. The meeting was held on May 8, 1958, at the Y.M.C.A. in Orlando, Florida. According to the document, the members in attendance discussed the bombing of a synagogue and a black elementary school in Jacksonville on April 28, 1958. Anonymous callers claimed responsibility for the bombings and reportedly belonged to a group called the "Confederate Union". The document details how the members of the meeting were disturbed by this and conducted several actions, including setting up a committee to pass a resolution concerning the bombings, sending a letter of commendation to the mayor and police department of Jacksonville, and having the special committee consider sending a letter to Senator Smathers, asking him to get the Justice Department involved. The document was written by John C. Fuller, who was Secretary of the Orlando Ministerial Association.
Digital reproduction of original typewritten report, May 8, 1958: First Unitarian Church of Orlando.
Minutes of Monthly Meeting, June 5, 1958
Minutes of a monthly meeting of the Orlando Ministerial Association. The meeting was held on June 5, 1958, at the Y.M.C.A. in Orlando, Florida. The focus of this meeting was the bombings of a synagogue and African-American school that took place in Jacksonville on April 28, 1958. Two letter were read by Rabbi Kurz, who was the chairman of a special committee concerning the tragedy. The first letter was to the mayor and police department of Jacksonville and the second was to Representative Herlong and two Florida senators. At the end of the meeting, it was authorized that letters of thanks be sent to Mr. Brock, secretary of the Y.M.C.A. for letting them use their building as a meeting place. Appreciation of Pat Pinkerton of the Orlando Sentinel was also expressed due to her providing fair coverage of the meeting. The document was written by John C. Fuller, who was Secretary of the Orlando Ministerial Association.
Digital reproduction of original typewritten report, June 1958: First Unitarian Church of Orlando.
Minutes of Monthly Meeting, October 2, 1958
Minutes of a monthly meeting of the Orlando Ministerial Association. The meeting was held on October 2, 1958, at the Y.M.C.A in Orlando, Florida. The first topic discussed was an election of permanent officers that would take place on October 20, 1958. The second topic discussed was the discrimination of African-Americans by the United Appeal. This inequality being best exemplified by the existence of a colored division within the United Appeal. The final topic discussed concerned the refusal of the Orlando Sentinel to accept advertisements from African-American churches. The document was written by John C. Fuller, who was Secretary of the Orlando Ministerial Association.
Digital reproduction of original typewritten report, October 2, 1958: First Unitarian Church of Orlando.
Minutes of Monthly Meeting, October 30, 1958
Minutes of a monthly meeting of the Orlando Ministerial Association. The meeting was held on October 30, 1958, at the First Unitarian Church of Orlando. This meeting is notable for being the first annually held business meeting. The first topic discussed was that a resolution be drawn up on the matter of desegregating "The Negro Division" of the United Appeal. It would be written by Reverends Staggers, Fuller, Jupiter and C.A Johnson. The second topic discussed was the refusal of the Orlando Sentinel to accept advertisement from African American churches. It was decided that a delegation of members from the Orlando Ministerial Association would meet with the editors of the newspaper to discuss the issue. Next, elections of permanent officers were held. The meeting concluded with a resolution of the Jacksonville bombings being passed called the Declaration of Conscience. The resolution condemned the bombings, saying that the bombers were working against the teachings of Jesus, Moses and Isaiah. The document was written by John C. Fuller, who was Secretary of the Orlando Ministerial Association.
Digital reproduction of original typewritten report, October 30, 1958: First Unitarian Church of Orlando.
Oral Memoirs of Benjamin Franklin Wheeler III
An oral history interview of Benjamin Franklin Wheeler III, a descendant of the Wheeler and Lawton families in Oviedo. The interview was conducted by Desta Lee Horner at the University of Central Florida in Orlando, Florida, on June 18th, 2019. Some of the topics covered include the family history of the Lawtons and Wheelers, the significance of the pine timber industry in Oviedo, the career path of Benjamin Franklin Wheeler, Sr., the role of Benjamin Franklin Wheeler, Sr. in the incorporation and development of Oviedo, withstanding freezes and destruction of crops and trees, shipping citrus on the railroads and the decline of the citrus industry in Oviedo, working in packing houses, varieties of citrus production in Oviedo, transitioning from citrus to celery production, how packing houses served a social function, building a railroad on muck land and dealing with derailed trains, how Seminole County was formed and the consequences of its formation, George Kelsey and enforcing the law in a small town, eccentric characters and interesting stories from Oviedo, how churches influenced life in Oviedo, how the Oviedo lights became an urban legend, how being a bedroom community shaped the City of Oviedo, how the Oviedo Fire Department evolved, his experience with race relations in Oviedo, how Alafaya Trail became a paved road, deciding on where to build Florida Technological University, and his closing remarks.
Wheeler III, Benjamin Franklin. Interviewed by Desta Lee Horner, June 18, 2019. Audio record available. RICHES of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida.
Five Points Operations Complex, Sanford, Florida
Florida Technological University, Orlando, Florida
Nelson and Company Packing Plant, Oviedo, Florida
Oviedo Drug and Meat World, Oviedo, Florida
An oral history interview of Jeannie Economos, the Pesticide Safety and Environmental Health Project Coordinator at the Farmworker Association of Florida (FAF), who also worked as Lake Apopka Project Coordinator for the FAF, as well as for non-profit organizations such as the Audubon Society and Save the Manatee Club. The interview was conducted by Jared Muha at the FAF in Apopka on December 10, 2014. Topics discussed in the interview include a summary of her career, the Lake Apopka Project versus the Lake Apopka Restoration Act of 1996, the Farmworker Association of Florida, pesticide health and safety, common environmental challenges facing farmworkers, the necessity of farmworkers, the evolution of farmworkers, African-American farmworkers in Apopka, the shutdown of Lake Apopka, effects of the shutdown on African-American farmworkers, the influx of Hispanic farmworkers, and the future of farm labor in the United States.
Economos, Jeannie. Interviewed by Jared Muha, December 10, 2014. Audio record available. RICHES, Orlando, Florida.
Farmworker Association of Florida, Apopka, Florida
A poster for the annual Orlando Gay Chorus (OGC) concert, “A Lotta Night Music.” The event was held at the Mezz, located at 100 South Eola Drive in Orlando, Florida, on Friday, June 9, 2017. Directed by Harold C. Wright, “A Lotta Night Music” was sponsored by John Michael Exquisite Weddings and Catering. Tickets were $20 and available through orlandogaychorus.org. The poster fades from dark blue to black vertically as lights descend on the silhouettes of illuminated concertgoers gathered halfway down the page. Featured artwork includes the logos of the OGC, the Mezz, and United Arts of Central Florida. The Orlando Gay Chorus is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts and humanitarian organization part of GALA Choruses. Founded on Valentines Day 1990, OGC is not only one of the largest mixed gay choirs in the United States at over 100 members, but they also boast four smaller ensembles that perform annual concerts, cabarets, and a whole host of community events like Come Out With Pride, Orlando Museum of Art’s Festival of Trees, and World Aids Day memorial services. In 2017, the group performed at over 105 events, including 15 performances for the first anniversary of the Pulse Nightclub tragedy. Members come from all walks of life and all sexual and gender orientations, including straight allies. OGC lives by the motto “Singing the World to a Better Place” and strives to use music to change attitudes and build a stronger community.
Orlando Gay Chorus
Original color poster: University of Central Florida Special Collections, Orlando, Florida.
A poster for the Orlando Gay Chorus (OGC) concert, “They're Playing Our Song.” The event was held at the Annie Russell Theater at Rollins College, located at 1000 Holt Avenue in Winter Park, Florida, on Saturday June 18, 2005, and Sunday, June 19, 2005. “They're Playing Our Song” was sponsored by a range of organizations, including the Walt Disney World Company, Air Tran Airlines, and Watermark. Tickets were $20 in advance through Urban Think, the Center and, orlandogaychorus.org. Tickets were $25 at the door. The poster is various shades of brown and beige and depicts an abstract piano above the scripted title of the show. Featured artwork includes the logos of the OGC, who were celebrating 25 years, and various OGC sponsors across the bottom of the poster. The Orlando Gay Chorus is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts and humanitarian organization part of GALA Choruses. Founded on Valentines Day 1990, OGC is not only one of the largest mixed gay choirs in the United States at over 100 members, but they also boast four smaller ensembles that perform annual concerts, cabarets, and a whole host of community events like Come Out With Pride, Orlando Museum of Art’s Festival of Trees, and World Aids Day memorial services. In 2017, the group performed at over 105 events, including 15 performances for the first anniversary of the Pulse Nightclub tragedy. Members come from all walks of life and all sexual and gender orientations, including straight allies. OGC lives by the motto “Singing the World to a Better Place” and strives to use music to change attitudes and build a stronger community.
Annie Russell Theatre, Rollins College, Winter Park, Florida
A poster for the Orlando Gay Chorus (OGC) concert, “Don't Touch that Dial.” The event was held at the Margeson Theatre, part of the Rita Lowndes Shakespeare Center in Loch Haven Park, located at 812 East Rollins Street in Orlando, Florida, on April 8 and 9, 2006. The event featured music from the 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s, including radio, big band and jazz songs. “Don't Touch that Dial” was sponsored by a range of organizations, including the Walt Disney World Company, Air Tran Airlines, and Watermark. Advance tickets were available through Urban Think, the Center and, orlandogaychorus.org. The poster has a brown background accentuating a vintage radio and a bold title. Featured artwork includes the logos of the OGC and various sponsors across the bottom of the poster. The Orlando Gay Chorus is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts and humanitarian organization part of GALA Choruses. Founded on Valentines Day 1990, OGC is not only one of the largest mixed gay choirs in the United States at over 100 members, but they also boast four smaller ensembles that perform annual concerts, cabarets, and a whole host of community events like Come Out With Pride, Orlando Museum of Art’s Festival of Trees, and World Aids Day memorial services. In 2017, the group performed at over 105 events, including 15 performances for the first anniversary of the Pulse Nightclub tragedy. Members come from all walks of life and all sexual and gender orientations, including straight allies. OGC lives by the motto “Singing the World to a Better Place” and strives to use music to change attitudes and build a stronger community.
John & Rita Lowndes Shakespeare Center, Loch Haven Park, Orlando, Florida
A poster for the Orlando Gay Chorus (OGC) concert, “A Credit Card Christmas.” The event was held at the Annie Russell Theater at Rollins College, located at 1000 Holt Avenue in Winter Park, Florida, on December 10 and 11, 2005. Featuring both traditional music and songs underscoring the commercialization of the holidays, “A Credit Card Christmas” was a fundraiser for Toys for Tots, partners of the OGC for 15 years. Tickets were $25 in advance through Urban Think, The Center, and orlandogaychorus.org and $30 at the door. The poster has a bright red background with an image of a yellow credit card coming in diagonally from the top left corner. Featured artwork includes the logos of the OGC and various sponsors across the bottom of the poster. The Orlando Gay Chorus is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts and humanitarian organization part of GALA Choruses. Founded on Valentines Day 1990, OGC is not only one of the largest mixed gay choirs in the United States at over 100 members, but they also boast four smaller ensembles that perform annual concerts, cabarets, and a whole host of community events like Come Out With Pride, Orlando Museum of Art’s Festival of Trees, and World Aids Day memorial services. In 2017, the group performed at over 105 events, including 15 performances for the first anniversary of the Pulse Nightclub tragedy. Members come from all walks of life and all sexual and gender orientations, including straight allies. OGC lives by the motto “Singing the World to a Better Place” and strives to use music to change attitudes and build a stronger community.
A poster for the Orlando Gay Chorus (OGC) concert, “A Marvelous Party.” The event was held at the Orlando Science Center's Darden Theater, located at 777 E Princeton Street in Orlando, Florida, on March 23 and 24, 2002. Tickets were $15 in advance through Rainbow City, Joy Metropolitan Community Church, and orlandogaychorus.org, and $18 at the door. The poster has an orange and white background with yellow balloons and dark blue text. Featured artwork includes the logos of the OGC and various sponsors across the bottom of the poster. The Orlando Gay Chorus is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts and humanitarian organization part of GALA Choruses. Founded on Valentines Day 1990, OGC is not only one of the largest mixed gay choirs in the United States at over 100 members, but they also boast four smaller ensembles that perform annual concerts, cabarets, and a whole host of community events like Come Out With Pride, Orlando Museum of Art’s Festival of Trees, and World Aids Day memorial services. In 2017, the group performed at over 105 events, including 15 performances for the first anniversary of the Pulse Nightclub tragedy. Members come from all walks of life and all sexual and gender orientations, including straight allies. OGC lives by the motto “Singing the World to a Better Place” and strives to use music to change attitudes and build a stronger community.
Darden Theater, Orlando Science Center, Orlando, Florida
A poster for the Orlando Gay Chorus (OGC) concert, “Glitter on the Highway.” The event was held at the Annie Russell Theater at Rollins College, located at 1000 Holt Avenue in Winter Park, Florida, on June 24 and 25, 2006. “Glitter on the Highway” featured music and songs by gay and lesbian composers, performers, and arrangers. Advance tickets were available through Urban Think, The Center, Gay Orlando and orlandogaychorus.org. The poster has a bright red background with an image of a woman's legs and shoes behind a curly title. Featured artwork includes the logos of the OGC and various sponsors across the bottom of the poster. The Orlando Gay Chorus is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts and humanitarian organization part of GALA Choruses. Founded on Valentines Day 1990, OGC is not only one of the largest mixed gay choirs in the United States at over 100 members, but they also boast four smaller ensembles that perform annual concerts, cabarets, and a whole host of community events like Come Out With Pride, Orlando Museum of Art’s Festival of Trees, and World Aids Day memorial services. In 2017, the group performed at over 105 events, including 15 performances for the first anniversary of the Pulse Nightclub tragedy. Members come from all walks of life and all sexual and gender orientations, including straight allies. OGC lives by the motto “Singing the World to a Better Place” and strives to use music to change attitudes and build a stronger community.
A poster for the Orlando Gay Chorus (OGC) concert, “Lights, Camera, Action!” The event was held at the Margeson Theatre, part of the John and Rita Lowndes Shakespeare Center in Loch Haven Park, located at 812 East Rollins Street in Orlando, Florida, on Saturday, April 2 and Sunday, April 3, 2005. Tickets were $20 in advance through Urban Think, The Center, and orlandogaychorus.org and $25 at the door. The poster has a black background with the red title illuminated by a yellow spotlight. Featured artwork includes the logos of the OGC and various sponsors across the bottom of the poster. The Orlando Gay Chorus is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts and humanitarian organization part of GALA Choruses. Founded on Valentines Day 1990, OGC is not only one of the largest mixed gay choirs in the United States at over 100 members, but they also boast four smaller ensembles that perform annual concerts, cabarets, and a whole host of community events like Come Out With Pride, Orlando Museum of Art’s Festival of Trees, and World Aids Day memorial services. In 2017, the group performed at over 105 events, including 15 performances for the first anniversary of the Pulse Nightclub tragedy. Members come from all walks of life and all sexual and gender orientations, including straight allies. OGC lives by the motto “Singing the World to a Better Place” and strives to use music to change attitudes and build a stronger community.
A poster for the Orlando Gay Chorus (OGC) concert, “Naughty and Nice.” The event was held at The Plaza Live, located at 425 North Bumby Avenue in Orlando, Florida, on December 13 and 14, 2014. “Naughty and Nice” was a silent auction fundraiser for Toys for Tots, who were partners of the OGC for 24 years. Tickets were $25 in advance through chorus members and orlandogaychorus.org, and $30 at the door. The poster has a green background a hand holding a lump of coal coming in from the top right and Santa's hand holding a present coming in from the bottom right with the title in the middle. Featured artwork includes the logos of the OGC, Toys for Tots, and the Plaza Live. The Orlando Gay Chorus is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts and humanitarian organization part of GALA Choruses. Founded on Valentines Day 1990, OGC is not only one of the largest mixed gay choirs in the United States at over 100 members, but they also boast four smaller ensembles that perform annual concerts, cabarets, and a whole host of community events like Come Out With Pride, Orlando Museum of Art’s Festival of Trees, and World Aids Day memorial services. In 2017, the group performed at over 105 events, including 15 performances for the first anniversary of the Pulse Nightclub tragedy. Members come from all walks of life and all sexual and gender orientations, including straight allies. OGC lives by the motto “Singing the World to a Better Place” and strives to use music to change attitudes and build a stronger community.
The Plaza Live Theatre, Orlando, Florida
A poster for the Orlando Gay Chorus' (OGC) adult content concert, “Uncut Cabaret.” The event was held at the Parliament House Resort's Footlight Theatre, located at 410 North Orange Blossom Trail in Orlando, Florida, on February 28, 2013. Tickets were $15 in advance through orlandogaychorus.org, and $20 at the door. The poster has a white background with a nude male holding a sign over his lower half that features the show's details. A red banner across the top right corner warns of adult content. The Orlando Gay Chorus is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts and humanitarian organization part of GALA Choruses. Founded on Valentines Day 1990, OGC is not only one of the largest mixed gay choirs in the United States at over 100 members, but they also boast four smaller ensembles that perform annual concerts, cabarets, and a whole host of community events like Come Out With Pride, Orlando Museum of Art’s Festival of Trees, and World Aids Day memorial services. In 2017, the group performed at over 105 events, including 15 performances for the first anniversary of the Pulse Nightclub tragedy. Members come from all walks of life and all sexual and gender orientations, including straight allies. OGC lives by the motto “Singing the World to a Better Place” and strives to use music to change attitudes and build a stronger community.
Footlight Theatre, Parliament House Resort, Orlando, Florida