What is the common link between a Mayan Temple, a Victorian house, and the history of telephones? They are all available to explore here in Central Florida. The
Maitland Art and History Center is not your typical museum and its right down
the road!
The Art Museum itself is inside a local artist’s house.
Its picturesque nature made me want to move in immediately. Featuring both a
permanent collection and new traveling pieces, there is always something to
see. Afterwards, I took a few moments to travel in the garden surrounding the
house. By that point I was DEFINITELY ready to pack my bags. Just add a bed, a couch, and a few good books...
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| The artist's job is to explore, to announce new visitors and to open new doors. |
The Art Museum features a spotlight on local artist Andre Smith, who created the Mayan
Revival architecture in the Art Center across the road. Of course, it is not a
real Mayan Temple, yet I still felt like I was in the Yucatan peninsula. The
beauty here is truly in the details; symbols are carved into every rock,
leaving something to see everywhere you look, even the floor. It is no wonder
that people are constantly booking the art center as a wedding venue. To say it
was breathtaking is an understatement.
Once
I picked my jaw up off the floor, I headed to the house next door, the History
Center! Here I connected with Maitland and Central Florida’s rich history,
learning about local legends such as the Waterhouse family and Carl H Galloway.
Directly behind the History Center is the Telephone Museum. I got to get down
and gritty with the telephone system and practiced being an operator. “Oh Hello
Mrs. Smith, you wanted to speak with Mrs. Montgomery? Let me connect you and
listen in.” Imagine how much gossip you would have caught back in the day?!
Just when I thought my day was done, I was advised that
the Waterhouse tour was included in my admission. A couple of streets down,
right at Lake Lilly is the Waterhouse residence. Here I received my own PRIVATE tour of the
house built 130 years ago! Including original period furniture and a full
family history I was transported back to the Victorian Era and immediately
realized I would have never survived. All the work those women had to do… no
thank you! I’ll just buy my clothes at
the mall, thanks. Make sure to ask about the handmade decorations in the sewing room... they are made out of human hair!
For only SIX dollars, I have to say this was an amazing
day. This hidden gem is a perfect way to spend an afternoon. Bonus points if
you go on Sunday, because after you can visit the Farmers Market right there at
Lake Lilly. If you do, pick up a bag of kettle corn, just be sure to share with the ducks!
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