Hannibal Square Heritage Center
The Hannibal Square Heritage Center is a community center in Winter Park, Florida which is run by the Crealdé School of Art. Founded in 2007, the Hannibal Square Heritage Center is located in a historical neighborhood on New England Avenue two blocks west of Park Avenue, between Virginia and Pennsylvania Avenues. Operating and programming costs are funded by Crealdé School of Art, the Community Redevelopment Agency of the City of Winter Park, United Arts of Central Florida and the Division of Cultural Affairs through the State of Florida. Mission statement. Its mission is to pay tribute  to the past, present and future contributions of Winter Park's African-American community. Through innovative programming in the arts and humanities, they hope to inspire all Central Floridians to become more aware of, respect, explore and participate in their own community's history and heritage. History. In 1880, South Florida Railroad laid a track connecting Orlando to Sanford. Winter Park was built around that track. Hannibal Square (the "west side") in Winter Park was officially founded in 1881. Black families who lived in that area provided labor that built the town as well as domestic service to wealthy white  families. This resulted in educational opportunities, prosperity and professional standing for its black residents. Gus Henderson, a print shop owner, rallied black registered voters to cast their vote to make Winter Park an official city. The election, which occurred on October 12, 1887, incorporated the town of Winter Park in its boundaries. They adopted a city council and seven men were elected as aldermen. Two black men from Hannibal Square, Walter B. Simpson and Frank R. Israel, were among those appointed. With the goal of preserving the cultural heritage of the area, Community Center Director Ron Moore and Crealdé Executive  Director and documentary photographer Peter Schreyer held an event called Heritage Day. The first Heritage Day was held on March 2002. Dozens of local residents shared their family photographs and histories. There were several more Heritage Days which resulted in their permanent collection, The Heritage Collection: Photographs and Oral Histories of West Winter Park. It was displayed at the Winter Park Community Center. Due to both lack of space and its popularity residents of Winter Park wanted to see the collection in a permanent space. On April 28, 2007, the City of Winter Park and Crealdé School of Art opened  the new Hannibal Square Heritage Center. Traveling Exhibits. On the second floor there is a gallery that hosts travelling exhibitions which change three to four times a year. These exhibitions include quilt making, painting, sculptures, and other mediums by professional artists. Facility Rentals. The 3000-square foot Heritage Center Facility can accommodate up to 50 people for tours. Additionally, they have two meeting rooms available with capacities of 15 and 25. They also allow use of their small kitchen to accommodate catering.