Located in the historic Orange County Courthouse, the five-story museum consists of exhibits presenting local and regional history starting from 2,000 years ago.

In 1927, a neoclassical building, now the current home of the History Center, was added and became the main courthouse.

When the red-brick courthouse was demolished in 1957, the Board of County Commissioners established a historical commission to carry on the work.

In 1976 the Orange County Historical Museum in Orlando's Loch Haven Park opened and became the precursor to the History Center.

The five-story building was built for nearly $1 million by Orlando's first registered architect, Murry S. King.