All About Orlando

Step back into time with names like Ella Fitzgerald, Count Basie, Ray Charles, and other iconic African American Artists at the Wells Built Museum; located in “forgotten” Orlando.

Instead of standing in lines waiting to ride a roller coaster or eating another snow cone at the water park, take a trip to a piece of history. Wells Built Museum is a prime example of Orlando less traveled but worth your time.

Dr. William Monroe Wells was a prominent African American physician of the early 20th century. He served his community in a time when Orlando was segregated. African American’s had to pay taxes but did not receive the same quality of life like the white community of that time. Not only did he cure diseases and usher in new lives, he created a place for those to enjoy the countless number of talented artists that graced the area.

Dr. Wells built the South Street Casino; a performance hall that gave touring African American bands a place to play. The Casino was booming with sounds of Cab Calloway, Ivory Joe Hunter, and others that filled your heart and soul with joyful music. In addition, Dr. Wells built a hotel next to the Casino so the musicians had a place to stay.

The Casino is no longer standing but the hotel has been turned into the Wells Built Museum. Take a walk around and take in the architecture, the art, and the music; perhaps if you listen closely then you will be able to hear the sounds of the time. Look into the eyes and souls of these artists and civil rights activists by perusing photos and documents from those days. There are art pieces, on loan to the museum, from local collectors; and other African American community memorabilia for you to enjoy.

The museum is open Monday through Friday from 10:00am to 5:00pm and on Saturdays from 10:00am to 2:00pm. The admission price is more than reasonable, with rates for adults, seniors and students, and children.

Take some time and learn about a very important man from Orlando history who not only gave to his community but contributed to the success of the musical world; visit the Wells Built Museum in Orlando, Florida.

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