What We Do
CONNECTING COMMUNITY TO OUR HISTORY
The Lawton House
Oviedo History: Artifacts + Antiques + Photographs
The Lawton House, located at 200 West Broadway is the location of the Oviedo Historical Society's exhibits, history, antiques, and artifacts. Step into the house and see everyday household items from notable Oviedo families and the community. Learn about the our community's ties to citrus and why Oviedo was once known as the "Celery Capital of the World".
It's open to the public the first Saturday of every month from 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. Private group tours are available upon request. Please email Eric Holt, President for the Oviedo Historical Society at Holt.OHS@gmail.com.
Robert James Lawton Scholarship
Senior Scholarships & Student Awards
Robert James Lawton was born in 1929, one of the sons of Oviedo’s original Lawton Family—prominent in our city’s history. Dr. Lawton attended Oviedo High School, graduating in 1946 as Valedictorian. He went on to graduate from Florida Southern College in 1950, received his masters from University of Delaware in 1956, and receive his Ph.D. from University of Virginia in 1968.
His career was dedicated to education, holding various positions in academia. Dr. Lawton, who resided in Waynesboro, VA, made a bequest to the Oviedo Historical Society for the establishment of a permanent endowment fund upon on death. The Society began a scholarship in Dr. Lawton’s name to promote interest in local and state history.
4th Grade Student Awards
Join us to learn & help grow our community
We have great appreciation for our members and volunteers who are able to spend a couple of hours with us to help out in the Lawton House and the Oviedo Farmers Market. Students who become volunteers are able to earn Bright Futures Scholarship hours. They are also able to have a hand in the future of the historical Society, our activities, and our legacy. For more information about volunteering, email us or stop in during our market day.
Oviedo Legacy Awards
Community: Celebrating Living Legacy
Our Annual Legacy Awards recognizes outstanding Oviedo Historical Society Members who:
- Members who have a long history of serving the community
- Outstanding service representative of the values, history, & legacy of the Oviedo community
- Serve as testament to future generations of Oviedians
Annual Holiday Tree Lighting
First Saturday in December
For nearly 25 years, the City of Oviedo has had a Holiday Tree Lighting. We carry on this small town tradition. In December, we invite the community to join us as we provide hotdogs, drinks, and cookies while we enjoy local holiday music. Santa arrives to light the Christmas tree, visits with children, and shares in the festivities. Special thanks to the Fairwinds Credit Union, Publix Supermarkets, and Lukas Nursery for sponsoring this much wonderful yearly event.
Oviedo Farmers Market
First Saturday Every Month
The Oviedo Farmers Market is run by members and volunteers of the historical society. A portion of the proceeds of each market help fund the Robert James Lawton Scholarship as well as our activities throughout the year. Student volunteers earn Bright Futures Scholarship hours. This is your opportunity support our market vendors and the mission of the Oviedo Historical Society.
Coming up in the Market space is the March 7th, April 4th and our First Annual OHS Arts Festival on April 18th (see details below). We invite all of Oviedo and Central Florida to visit our Market Space, support local business and support the OHS through your participation through membership or visiting our merch tent.
The Lawton House is open with the market, the first Saturday of every month from 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. (except July) We host live, local music, fresh fruits, vegetables, plants, honey, grass fed beef, locally roasted coffee, blended teas, breads, sweets, sauces, spices, and more! We feature an artisans row and are pet friendly.
See you O-vee There!
Volunteers
Join us! Lead, learn & help grow our community.
We have great appreciation for our members and volunteers who are able to spend a couple of hours with us to help out in the Lawton House and the Oviedo Farmers Market. Students who become volunteers are able to earn Bright Futures Scholarship hours. They are also able to have a hand in the future of the historical Society, our activities, and our legacy. For more information about volunteering, email us or stop in during our market day.
We invite students from Seminole, Orange, and Osceola counties to help maintain the the Lawton House, its exhibits, our vendors, children's area, entertainment, and the Memorial garden.
Black History Exhibit Successful
A moving exhibit for the times...you made my whole day!
On February 28th, OHS opened to the public for a day of celebration for Black History Month. It was a moving exhibit honoring those that have lived and supported Oviedo through the years. The fabric of a city is woven by the individual strands of it's people over time; rich is the fabric of Oviedo and the dedication of it's people. We can be proud of our little town values and big town hearts. Thank you for all that visited our exhibit.
Your Membership in the Oviedo Historical Society
Help support our community and our annual events by contributing to your community historical society. Join us and share your stories, your family and your memories. Build a legacy and share about the place you call home. Our members help provide the community with our history. We work with sister organizations to help create learning initiatives, experiences & fundraisers for our events and scholarships. Help us sustain our growth and build upon the hard-working people that founded our town.
