By Peter Covino

Entertainment Editor

If you have got time on your hands this holiday season, the Orange County Regional History Center has some great ways to spend that time.

There are special events, plus regular exhibits at more at the downtown Orlando museum.

Ongoing through Jan. 2 is Against All Odds: The Art of the Highwaymen, a 10th anniversary exhbibit featuring paintings by all

26 Highwaymen artists.

The Highwaymen began as a group of African American artists who, against all odds, managed to prosper selling their paintings in the segregated South of the 1950s and 60s. One charismatic man dreamed big and developed a fast method of painting that he generously shared with 25 others, and they collectively produced more than 200,000 paintings over a 30-year period. The exhibit has been newly curated to include paintings by all 26 Highwaymen, together in one exhibit for the first time at the History Center, including two artists not previously shown at the museum. The exhibit also marks the first showing at the History Center of a painting by A.E. “Bean” Backus, an accomplished white Florida landscape artist who encouraged and inspired the artists. Included in general admission.

You can eat, drink and be merry Tuesday, Dec. 7 at the Holiday Happy at Urban Flats Downtown.

The History Center invites you to enjoy food, wine, and friends at a holiday happy hour to benefit the museum's educational programs for children and adults. 6-7:30 p.m. Tickets  are $20 each and half of every $20 ticket purchased goes directly toward programs that enrich the community. Tickets include unlimited appetizers and wine. Call  407-836-8590 or purchase online at www.thehistorycenter.org/happyhour. The event takes place at Urban Flats in downtown Orlando, located at 183 S. Orange Avenue.

Want to learn how to write your own audiobiography?

The Brown Bag Lunch & Learn event Wednesday, Dec. 8 is Yes You! An Entertaining Audiography in Three Easy Steps Steps with Elizabeth Coursen.

Everyone – regardless of writing skill or experience – can compose and publish an entertaining, thoughtful autobiography. Elizabeth Coursen will show you how. Coursen’s guide, The Complete Biography Workbook, is in its fourth printing.

The free event is from noon until 1 p.m.  Space is limited. Seating is first come, first served. Bring lunch or for a small charge, pre-order lunch and have it waiting. Call 407-836-7010 to reserve your seat.

The Free Community Weekend is Dec. 18-19  

Bring a new unwrapped toy for the Howard Phillips Center for Children and Families and receive free admission (one toy per family) to the History Center. Age appropriate toys will be collected for children up to age 18. Call 407-836-8500.

Drop the youngsters off Dec. 20-22 and 27-29 to the History Holiday Camp.  

Children grades K-2 and 3-5 see history come alive through fun, educational, and interactive experiences. Each day of camp features different activities. Themes include Holidays Around the World (Dec. 20-22) and Under the Sea (Dec. 27-29). 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Early drop-off starts at 7:30 a.m., and extended day until 6 p.m. is available for a fee of $10 per child, per day. Members $25 per child, per day; non-members $35 per child, per day. 10 percent discount for sibling or multiple-day enrollment. Call 407-836-8580 to register.  

Future brides can attend the I Do Downtown Bridal Crawl, Sunday, Jan. 9.

The second I Do Downtown Bridal Crawl begins at the History Center where you'll receive a map of stops on the bridal crawl and an entrance ticket to explore all that downtown has to ensure your big day is everything you could ever have imagined. Find alluring accessories, exotic honeymoon destinations, imaginative photographers and videographers, reliable transportation, glorious flowers, dramatic music, and delectable reception cuisine to sample at various downtown event venues. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Advanced tickets: $10 individual, $15 for two. Day-of tickets: $15 individual, $20 for two. Get tickets online at www.thehistory center.org/bridalcrawl or call 407-836-8502.

There is more fun for the family, Saturday, Jan. 15 at the Great Toy Build Off.

Using LEGO bricks, Tinker Toys, Erector Sets, or Lincoln Logs, teams will compete in a “Build Off.” Teams have two hours to design and create an object using the toy building material randomly assigned to them on the day of the event. Designs will be judged on originality, resourcefulness, and practicality. Teams can enter in Amateur or High School categories. Noon-2 p.m. Free. Call 407-836-7010 for information or to register your team.

Discovery Day: Life on the Range will be held Friday, Jan. 21.

Gallop through the lives of early Florida cow hunters and cowmen – discover their adventures, lifestyle, and hobbies. Grades K-2 and 3-5. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Early drop-off starts at 7:30 a.m., and extended day until 6 p.m. is available for a fee of $10 per child, per day. Members $25 per child, per day; non-members $30 per child, per day. Call 407-836-8580 to register.  

Retro Game Night returns to the center, Friday, Jan. 28.

The popular event features lots of old-fashioned fun with an array of classic board and video games throughout the museum. Play games including Chinese checkers, Clue, Battleship, Candy Land, Scrabble, Mystery Date, Twister, video games, and many more. Enjoy music from Sunny 105.9 FM, free nostalgic treats, $1-$2 pizza, and a cash bar. Members free, non-members $5 cash at door. Ages 18 and up. Retro attire encouraged. Call 407-836-7010 for information.

The History Center is located at 65 E. Central Blvd. General admission is $9 for adults, $7 for seniors (60-plus), students and military with valid I.D., and $6 for children ages 5-12..  For general information, call 407-836-8500 or visit www.thehistorycenter.org.