? THREE TO SEE
A trio of cultural highlights selected by Orlando Sentinel arts writer Matthew J. Palm.
BIONIC ME: It’s last call for this exhibition at Orlando Science Center, which closes Sept. 5. With lots of interaction, explore the role of technology in improving the lives of humans: Bionic eyes and biomechanics, for example. More information: osc.org
WEAPON OF CHOICE: Curated by Snap! Orlando, this exhibition at the Holocaust Memorial Resource & Education Center in Maitland looks at words as weapons. Images by photographer Richard Johnson make visible the invisible pain caused by verbal abuse.
Johnson’s portraits feature children and adults with hurtful words painted on their faces or bodies. The words are integrated in simulated bruises, burns and scratches, challenging viewers to examine the impact of their own words. It opens Dec. 12. More information: holocaustedu.org
STORIES OF US: Opening March 3, 2023, this new exhibition at the Maitland Historical Museum journeys through the city’s past.
It opens with the area’s indigenous history and travels through the Seminole Wars; the founding of Maitland and neighboring Eatonville; the city’s growth; and Florida Audubon Society’s formation. The creation of Andre Smith’s research studio is covered — the museum, like the studio, is part of the A&H Museums of Maitland — and eventually, viewers see the town’s expansion as an atomic-era bedroom community, complete with underground bunkers.
The exhibition, which features interactive components for all ages, also includes stories of traditionally marginalized groups, including people of color and the LGBTQ community. More information: artandhistory.org
? YOUR SEASON PLANNER
Schedules are subject to change, so always double-check before heading to an event.
GILLESPIE MUSEUM
Stetson University’s Gillespie Museum is at 234 E. Michigan Ave. in DeLand. Hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Friday. More information: 386-822-7330 or stetson.edu/other/gillespie-museum
Science Saturday events
OUR PLACE IN SPACE: Sept. 17. The Smithsonian Magazine Museum Day event includes hands-on, Earth-science activities.
THE BIRDS AND THE BEES: Oct. 6. Join museum director Kristen Marshall Mattson and learn how to create a backyard habitat for birds and bees.
MOSTLY GREEN HALLOWEEN: Oct. 29. Celebrate the natural world and its mysteries during hands-on activities.
HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL RESOURCE & EDUCATION CENTER OF FLORIDA
The center is at 851 N. Maitland Ave. in Maitland. More information: 407-628-0555 or holocaustedu.org
Special exhibits
LAWYERS WITHOUT RIGHTS: Through Aug. 31. A look at how Germany’s Nazi regime systematically undermined fair and just law by expelling Jewish lawyers and jurists from the legal profession.
A PEACE OF MIND: Sept. 8-Dec. 4. John Noltner’s multimedia project uses portraits and personal stories to bridge divides and encourage dialogue on important issues. Opening reception includes a keynote introduction by Noltner 6-8 p.m. Sept. 8 (registration required).
WEAPON OF CHOICE: Dec. 12, 2022-March 12, 2023. Photos by Richard Johnson portray the invisible pain caused by verbal abuse.
MAITLAND HISTORICAL MUSEUM
The museum is at 221 W. Packwood St. in Maitland. Hours are 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday. Details: 407-539-2181 or artandhistory.org
FUMECHELIGA: HOME OF THE TIMUCUA AND SEMINOLE: Sept. 23, 2022-Feb. 5, 2023. Learn about Maitland’s first residents, the Timucua, and later the Seminole, who called the area Fumecheliga or “the place where the muskmelons grow.”
STORIES OF US: Opens March 3, 2023. The museum’s new permanent history exhibition.
ORANGE COUNTY REGIONAL HISTORY CENTER
The history center has various ongoing exhibitions focused on Central Florida, including its first peoples, the cattle and citrus industries, African American life, aviation and tourism. The center is at 65 E. Central Blvd. in Orlando. Details: 407-836-8500 or thehistorycenter.org
Special exhibit
FIGUREHEAD: MUSIC & MAYHEM IN ORLANDO’S UNDERGROUND: Sept. 10, 2022-Sept. 30, 2023. Explore the musical journey of Orlando concert promoter Figurehead and music scene between 1985 and 2001 through posters promoting Black Flag, Drivin’ N Cryin’, Seven Mary Three, Rob Thomas and others. Opening reception 6-9 p.m. Sept. 9.
Events
THE STORY OF FIGUREHEAD: Sept. 10. A panel discussion with those involved with the community-driven effort to create a thriving music subculture in Orlando in the 1980s and ’90s.
CELEBRATING LATIN-AMERICAN ARTS AND CULTURE: Sept. 17. Kick off National Hispanic Heritage Month with Latin American artists, painting demonstrations and family-friendly activities.
SENSORY SUNDAY: THE MUSICAL MUSEUM: Oct. 16. Learn about Orlando’s musical past with sensory-themed activities.
TRICK OR TREAT SAFE ZONE: Oct. 29. Activities, creepy crafts, candy and a scavenger hunt. Costumes welcome.
ART OF THE UNDERGROUND: Nov. 5. The panel discussion features five artists from Orlando’s local music scene and examines how ephemeral artwork reflected the messages of the time period. Participants include Klaus Heesch, Jeff Matz, Greg Reinel, Thomas Scott and Scott Sugiuchi.
MUSICAL MAYHEM FAMILY DAY: Dec. 3. Rock out with the family while experiencing Central Florida’s musical past with family activities.
ORLANDO SCIENCE CENTER
The science center features live shows and hands-on activities for children in such areas as DinoDigs, the Poozeum, Crosby Observatory, Kinetic Zone and Flight Lab. In addition, its Dr. Phillips Cinedome shows movies on an 8,000-square-foot screen. This season’s offerings include the “Great Bear Rainforest,” “Amazon Adventure,” “Dream Big: Engineering Our World,” “Oceans: Our Blue Planet,” “Apollo 11: First Steps Edition” and “Volcanoes: The Fires of Creation.” The center is at 777 E. Princeton St. in Orlando. Details: 407-514-2000 or osc.org
Special exhibits
BIONIC ME: Through Sept. 5. Discover the inventive and ingenious medical and industrial breakthroughs that have helped humans.
HOT WHEELS: RACE TO WIN: Oct. 8, 2022-Jan. 8, 2023. Join a race team and use Hot Wheels to build the world’s fastest and safest speed machines.
EARTH MATTERS: RETHINK THE FUTURE: Jan. 29-May 9, 2023. Explore Earth and learn how small actions can have an impact on the natural world.
Events
PALEONTOLOGY PARTY: Aug. 27-28. Take a safari into the prehistoric past, watch live shows and participate in activities.
SCIENCE NIGHT LIVE: Oct. 22, April 1, 2023 and June 10, 2023. Adults-only nights.
SCIENCE ON TAP: Jan. 21, 2023. Sample brews and ciders from local breweries.
SCIENCE FOR ALL CELEBRATION: Jan. 28-29, 2023. A STEM event with guest presentations and workshops.
OTRONICON: Feb. 17-20, 2023. The annual celebration of interactive technology and entertainment showcases state-of-the-art video games, digital media and military and medical simulators typically not available to the public. A Science Night Live party for adults takes place on Feb. 18, 2023.
UNVEIL: A WEDDING SHOWCASE: Feb. 22, 2023. Wedding vendors, food and drinks.
11TH ANNUAL SCIENCE OF WINE: April 22, 2022. A wine and gourmet food tasting, with more than 150 global wine selections.
WATERHOUSE RESIDENCE MUSEUM
Part of the Art & History Museums — Maitland, the historic Waterhouse residence is at 820 Lake Lily Drive in Maitland. More information: 407-539-2181 or artandhistory.org
HAUNTED WATERHOUSE GHOST TOURS: Oct. 21 and 28. For years, people have shared stories of moving furniture, flickering lights and disembodied voices at the Victorian home. Partner with American Ghost Adventures experts to investigate.
— Listings compiled by Sandra Carr
