With a MissionStatement like this -

“We engage the public by educating, collecting, preserving, interpreting, exhibiting, and promoting art and history reflective of the American experience inspired by Maitland’s heritage and the legacy of André Smith’s Research Studio.

Through our multidisciplinary collections, unique architectural environment, and inspirational programming, we stimulate thought, spark the imagination, enrich the spirit, and foster appreciation in art, historical research, and preservation.”…..

you can be assured this organization – Art & History - Maitland – is truly something special.

The organization boasts 5 museums, everything from an 1884 Carpentry Shop & Waterhouse Residence, a Mayan themed Artist Colony, to an Antique Telephone Museum and much more. Ongoing art and history exhibits fascinate and delight the senses. Culture & Cocktail programs offer another unique view of what this organization is about. Couldn’t you use a bit of CULTURE right now?

All museums are a short stroll or drive from Thurston House, North Orlando’s finest bed & breakfast accommodation.

Courtyard area at the Maitland Art Center

The Maitland Art & History Association just launched a brand new website! This new site better reflects their mission to the community of Maitland North Orlando after they merged the Maitland Art Center and the Maitland Historical Society several months ago. Check out their facilities, including several museum buildings, and plan your visit to this wonderful area. Be sure to check the list of current events and even classes that are offered periodically. You can even hold a special event, such as a wedding or baby shower, at one of the organizations several venues. And they are all just minutes from our Central Florida B&B, Thurston House!

Morse Museum Winter Park

The Morse Museum’s new galleries feature the recently restored Daffodil Terrace and 250 art and architectural objects from Louis Comfort Tiffany’s Long Island estate, Laurelton Hall. This new gallery is huge and features all sorts of information about this estate and how it came to be. There is everything from architectural drawings, to a menu from a dinner party. All of it is fascinating!

The new wing also has a room dedicated to the history of Tiffany, their lives and how the company evolved. It is well worth dedicating an entire afternoon to! And don’t miss the museum shop, a place where you can buy that special momento.

And the best part about the Charles Homer Morse Museum in Winter Park Florida is that it is about a 5 minute drive from Thurston House, our Maitland bed & breakfast.  And it is only one of several reknowned Central Florida Museums.

All the Maitland Historical Museums are open for tours Thursdays-Sundays from Noon-4 p.m. Closed major holidays. Nearby to Thurston House B&B, are the Maitland Historical Museum and Telephone Museum, & The Waterhouse Residence Museum and Carpentry Shop Museum.

Exhibiting now at the Maitland Historical Museum in Central Florida -

The Maitland Historical Museum’s permanent exhibition Maitland on the Move features highlights of Maitland through the years in a timeline format. Visitors can learn about the Timucuan Indians, examine the days of the early citrus groves, check out milestones in the City’s history, celebrate the Maitland Little League and more! Exhibit sponsored by Progress Energy and Mercantile Bank.

 Be Prepared: Boys Scouts of America

January 22 – April 10, 2011

Boy Scout uniform at the Maitland Historical Museum

This exhibition pays tribute to the Boy Scouts of America (BSA), one of the largest youth organizations in the United States, with over 4.5 million youth members.  Since 1910, more than 110 million Americans have been members of the BSA.  The BSA goal is to train youth in responsible citizenship, character development, and self-reliance through participation in a wide range of outdoor activities, educational programs, and, at older age levels, career-oriented programs in partnership with community organizations.

East Meets West, by Rudy Drapiza

The Maitland Art & History Association will open the 2011 visual art season with a new exhibition at the Maitland Art Center. The center is a State of Florida Historic Site and also is on the National Register of Historic Places. This exhibit will showcase members of the Central Florida Watercolor Society, featuring approximately 45 watercolor works of both established and emerging local talent.

This center is truly a treasure, and a short stroll or drive from our Central Florida bed & breakfast, Thurston House.

Friday Nights at the Morse Museum in Winter Park return November 5! During Friday Nights at the Morse, all visitors receive free admission to the galleries from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., November through April. Live music, art demonstrations, and family tours are planned for select dates throughout the season. On November 12, classical guitarist Joshua Englert will play from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., and at 6:00 p.m. Orlando artist Lee Pharr will demonstrate stained-glass window construction techniques in the Jeannette G. and Hugh F. McKean Pavilion, just behind the Museum. The demonstration includes a free take-home art activity for children, and will be followed at 7:00 p.m. by a family tour through the Museum’s galleries.
This fabulous museum is nearby to our Winter Park area bed & breakfast Thurston House!

What could be more perfect than the Maitland Art Center for your special day? Just minutes away from the premier bed & breakfast in North Orlando, the Mayan architecture and grounds are stunningly beautiful! The Art Center is highly decorated with murals, bas-reliefs, and carvings done in an Aztec/Mayan motif. This ornamentation is an integral part of the buildings, making the compound itself a work of art. Areas available are OUTDOOR ONLY for rentals and include the Main Garden, Chapel, and the Mayan Courtyard.

Maitland Art Center Outdoor Chapel

“Let your thoughts rest here awhile in beauty and in love”
André Smith, Founder – Inscription at Chapel entrance

Join the Maitland Art Center for their Summer Open House, Saturday June 5, 10am-3pm. Learn all about the center – visit art classes, meet instructors, talk to students, see live art demonstrations and learn about the history of this fabulous facility.

Mayan influenced courtyard entry way.

This State of Florida Historic Site is also on the National Historic Register.  The center is dedicated to promoting knowledge and education in American art and artists. Built in 1937 by Jules Andre Smith, the center is one of the few surviving examples of “fantasty” architecture in the Southeast. Stroll it’s grounds with 23 structures, beautiful gardens and several courtyards. All buildings feature Mayan/Aztec motifs.

History of Fashion: A to Z

“History of Fashion: A to Z, is the latest exhibition to open at the Maitland Historical Museum. The exibit is based on a book written by society member Sue Dyer, and will include an alphabet sampling of fashion. The opening reception is tonight! Author Sue Dyer will also speak April 28th at noon at the Cottage at Lake Lily. Call 407-644-2451 with questions or to RSVP.

This great museum is just a few minutes from Central Florida’s premier bed & breakfast, Thurston House!

Originally uploaded by Ocean Florida

The massive cross-shaped “electrolier” in Tiffany’s chapel is one of its most powerful elements. Weighing approximately 1,000 pounds and measuring 10 feet in height, this lighting fixture is comprised of cast metal and green turtleback glass. This reconstructed chapel was featured at the 1893 World’s Fair Exibition. This is only one of the magnificiant exhibits awaiting your visit!