Apopka Historical Society installs officers

Why are historical societies important?

“History is the witness that testifies to the passing of time; it illuminates reality; vitalizes memory;

provides guidance in daily life and brings us tidings of antiquity.”

-Cicero

From The Apopka Historical Society

What does the word Apopka mean?

In our 21st century existence, and through modern technology, social media, and apps, we are in constant contact with our friends, our families, our work, and the news of the day both local, national and global. Any information or history we need is a mere google search away on our phones, I-pads, laptops or PCs. In many ways, the information-age delivers anything we need to know in seconds and has made the search for history obsolete.

Or has it?

Small historical societies, like the one in Apopka, play a major role in protecting and preserving the historical record, and also to interpret the past to its residents. Their mission is to preserve the legacy of their ancestors, to commemorate local heroes, and to maintain historical architecture and landmarks. The Apopka Historical Society are the keepers of Apopka's deep-rooted legacy.

How old is the Highland Manor, and why is it important to Apopka history?

The Apopka Historical Society is proud to announce that the following individuals have been installed as officers: Cheryl Kilsheimer, president; Francina Boykin, vice president; Trudy Weiss, secretary; Mary Elizabeth Wheeler, librarian and Belle Gilliam, curator emeritus. Additionally, the following individuals have graciously accepted to volunteer with the museum in these roles: Betty Ann Huntsman, displays; Ed Velazquez, membership; Barbara McLeod, events; Dianne Faircloth, historian, and Terri Morrell, communications/public relations.

“The Museum of the Apopkans is one of Apopka’s best-kept secrets. Our new team intends to change that,” Cheryl Kilsheimer, president, said. “The new team is excited about the opportunities the museum has to enrich the lives of Apopka residents.”

What Little League team from Apopka once won a world championship?

The Museum of the Apopkans, located at 122 East Fifth Street, includes exhibits about the history of Apopka and Northwest Orange County. The museum is operated by the Apopka Historical Society, which was formed in 1968 after Edward A. Miner, who displayed his exhibit of early Apopka artifacts at the Folk Festival that same year. Miner was soon joined by the Central Florida Anthropological Society and several artists: Bertha Wolz, Betty Jamison, Vickie Doggett, and David Findley. The society was incorporated in 1971 with Elizabeth Grossenbacher as president, Mildred S. Whiteside was vice president, Reba R. Evans as secretary, and Miner as curator. The first Board of Directors included John H. Land, Elin Larson, and Mary Lee Welch.

Who was AJ Lovell and why was a school named after him?

These are the types of questions that make historical societies important. It puts those of us in the present in touch with the people of the past who shaped our landscape, named our landmarks, and made the decisions that ultimately affect us today. If you are curious about any part of Apopka's history, plug your I-phone into its car-charger and visit the Museum of the Apopkans. You owe it to yourself to experience the history of Apopka face-to-face.

The Museum of the Apopkans is open Tuesday to Friday 1-5PM.