Accidental Launch

The Accidental Historian will be on exhibit at the Orange County Regional History Center (65 Central Boulevard Orlando FL) from September 21, 2019 to January 19, 2020. I accidentally did this sketch because it made no sense to drive all  the way home just to drive back downtown to meet a friend for a drink. Rather than burn gas, I decided to sketch as this huge transparency was framed and installed. A custom frame had to be made which was also a light box. Sliding everything into place was a team effort.

When the framed piece was plugged in the rocket laugh glowed blindingly bright. The framing was inspected and a few spots were found where wires touched the transparency creating awkward puckering effects. Everything had to be taken apart again to resolve the issue. Two people held the frame while a third pulled out the plexiglass. I thought I had found a spot where I was out of the way but the plexiglass had to pulled out in my direction and I got up to  get out of the way. Once it was dismantled I sat back down.

The space launch photos going on display are by Red Huber and Klaus Wilkins. Besides these bold images there will also be pitch place panels on the wall with holes punched in it which will look like stars when illuminated from behind. It is going to be an impressive display and I can’t wait to see it all in place. There is an amazing amount of work that goes into the install of a temporary exhibit like this an the small staff at the History Center are all flexing new muscles to go the extra mile to create such an amazing display. Just as in theater there is much chaos in the rush to open the show.There is excitement and uncertainty in the creative chaos. I am happy I got to be a witness if only for a moment.

Accidental Historian Events

Stay tuned for details

  • Accidental Historian Youth and Family Days

    September 21, 2019 and November 16, 2019

  • Cuisine Corner: Cross Creek Cookery

    September 28, 2019 (At the Orlando Public Library)

  • Accidental Historian Panel Discussion

    October 20, 2019

  • Urban Sketchers Workshops exact times and more details to come.

    Workshop 1: Saturday, October 12, 2019 – Instructors; Gay Geiger and Art Esteban will have artists sketch the brutalist architecture of the public library using Chinese ink and twigs.

    Workshop 2: Sunday, November 10, 2019 – Instructor; Thomas Thorspecken. Sunday in the Park with Thor. At this workshop we will sketch the historic Sperry Fountain at Lake Eola
    which is actually the second fountain on site. Students will have a historic 1920s photo by T.P. Robinson for inspiration.

    Workshop 3: Saturday, December 14, 2019 Instructor; Greg Bryla

  • Historically Poetic

    November 7, 2019

  • Coffee with a Curator

    November 17, 2019

First Friday Lunch and Learn Series

History Center staff offer a behind-the-scenes look at the museum and share their research.