The Hannibal Square Heritage Center Blog

The Hannibal Square Heritage Center was established in 2007 by Crealdé School of Art, in partnership with residents from the Hannibal Square community (west Winter Park) and the City of Winter Park. It is a tribute to the past, present, and future contributions of Winter Park’s historic African American community.

The Heritage Center hosts the award-winning Heritage Collection: Photographs and Oral Histories of West Winter Park, a permanent, museum-quality exhibition of over 100 framed, archival pieces that capture the lives of Winter Park’s African-American community spanning the 20th century, and The Hannibal Square Timeline which documents significant local and national events in African American history since the Emancipation Proclamation.

The center also offers a rotating Visiting Exhibition Series, community-created public art installations, as well as educational programs and that explore the African American experience, black heritage, cultural preservation, and southern folklore.

Experience a history told
by the people who have lived it!

As part of the "Be a Part from the Start" initiative led by the Offices of Multicultural Affairs and Community Engagement, Rollins first-year students journeyed to The Hannibal Square Heritage Center—located less than a mile from campus—to learn about the history of the African American community in Winter Park.

To see a clip of the Heritage Center Historians in action,
please click here.

Events and Exhibitions

Permanent Collection: The Heritage Collection: Photographs and Oral Histories of West Winter Park A unique exhibition of history told by the residents who have lived it. Next Collection Day TBA 2012.

Visiting Exhibition: January 20 – April 21 The Art of Missionary Mary Proctor Tallahassee-based Missionary Mary Proctor is a self-taught African-American artist and has exhibited her highly distinctive work nationally. Her artwork incorporates found objects into paintings and three dimensional works, largely inspired by Bible scripture and other life lessons. Curated by executive director Peter Schreyer, the exhibition includes work from Mary’s personal collection as well as from that of the Mennello Museum of American Art. Gallery talk at 7 p.m. at adjacent Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church; opening reception 8 to 9:30 p.m. on Friday, January 20.

Upcoming Events: April 21 3rd Annual Hannibal Square Heritage Center Folk Art and Craft Festival. The festival features the legendary Florida Highwaymen painters, local clay art and fine crafts, live music, food, and a free children’s folk art painting workshop. Artists will include Florida Highwaymen, a closing reception for Missionary Mary Proctor, Crealdé Artists and other local artists. Music by The Porch Dogs, and Orisirisi African Folklore (drumming and storytelling.) OrisiRisi has received critical acclaim far and wide for their unique, African-rooted, educational and entertaining presentations. Don Harrell and Nigerian born wife Tutu, co-produce and direct the many facets of their act.