The Accidental Historian

The Orange County Regional History Center (65 E. Central Blvd. Orlando, Florida 32801) is creating an exhibit that will run from September 21, 2019 through January 19, 2020 called The Accidental Historian. The premise is that every day citizens could be historians without even realizing it! That’s certainly true of many bloggers, urban sketchers, photographers, and more. In this engaging exhibition, patrons can learn how individuals who are absorbed in documenting the world of today accidentally become some of Central Florida’s finest historians for the future. Catch a glimpse into some of the museum’s favorite collections that were created for the now – more than 100 years ago.

I was  invited to contribute to this exhibit. The above sketch was done in front of the History Center in the exact spot a historical photo was shot back in the 1920s.  It was fascinating to see what has changed and what has not changed. The 55 West building is certainly new but many of the buildings on this street look exactly the way they did 100 years ago. If you go to the History Center web site you will see that this sketch was married to the old photo from the past creating a unique split screen view of this intersection at two separate points on the timeline. A larger than life framed version of this split screen is being created so that people who go to the exhibit can walk inside my sketch for a family photo opportunity. Anyone on the black and white photo side will be shown in black and white and anyone on my sketch side off the scene will be in vibrant color. I cant wait to see how this turn out in practice.

Besides my contributions to the show, other members of Orlando Urban Sketchers will have their work on display since the artists of today will be each leaving behind a unique view of what it is like to live in Orlando. So put September 21, 2019 on your calendar and come to see the history being recorded in unique ways every day right here in Orlando.