Applications are now open for the Rhea Marsh and Dorothy Lockhart Smith Winter Park History Research Grant, an initiative of the Winter Park Public Library (Website) that supports original research on the rich and diverse history of Winter Park, Florida.
The grant is named in honor of two local figures dedicated to preserving the city’s heritage, and this grant invites individuals or collaborative teams to delve into the stories, people, and events that have shaped the community through time.
The grant is available to a wide range of applicants, including independent researchers, graduate students, community historians, and creative writers. Eligible projects may include historical research using archival materials, oral history initiatives, interpretive writing, multimedia storytelling, or academic work that contributes to public understanding and preservation of Winter Park’s cultural legacy. According to he website, preference is given to work that directly engages with Winter Park’s local history and offers a clear plan to share findings with the community.
The grant is in the amount of $3,000. Applications must be submitted by September 15, 2025. Recipients are expected to present their work to the public through a program, exhibit, talk, or published piece made available through the Winter Park Public Library.
If it’s super ineresting, and you heard about it through The Orlando Shine, let us know and maybe we’ll share it on our site.
Click HERE for more information or to apply.
Don’t know what to write about? We have some suggestions of things we’d love to know more about:
- The Mystery of the Winter Park Sinkholes: Document the strange history and community reactions to events like the infamous 1981 “Lake Rose” sinkhole.
- How Hannibal Square Shaped Winter Park: Focus on the African American community’s contributions, challenges, and victories—especially around civil rights, politics, and cultural life.
- Architectural Styles Across the Decades: Document the influence of Mediterranean Revival, Craftsman, and Mid-Century Modern homes on Winter Park’s identity.
- The Dinky Line Railroad: Tell the story of the quirky rail line that connected Winter Park to Orlando, and its role in shaping early tourism.
- Women’s Clubs and Civic Activism: Highlight how local women’s organizations advanced education, arts, and social services throughout the 20th century.
Previous subjects have included “Latinos in Winter Park,” “The Life and Times of Theodore Mead,” “The Nearly Lost Legacy of Peter C. Samwell,” “Irving Bacheller: The Man Who Saved a Town,” and “Comprehensive Planning in Winter Park: Exploring the History of the Future.” Click HERE to read them for yourself.
