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For Immediate Release Sponsored Locally by Carlton Fields November 21, 2008 - January 18, 2009 ORLANDO, Fla. (September 10, 2008) - The Orange County Regional History Center presents In Focus: National Geographic Greatest Portraits, from the Smithsonian Institution, sponsored locally by Carlton Fields, November 21, 2008, through January 18, 2009, featuring more than 50 iconic portraits and scenes from around the world. Created by National Geographic and the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History, In Focus proves that it is possible to portray the essence of people or places in two dimensions, showcasing photographs from the book In Focus: National Geographic Greatest Portraits, published in October 2004 as a sequel to The New York Times bestseller Through the Lens: National Geographic Greatest Portraits. The exhibition was organized for travel and circulated by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES). This collection of color and black-and-white images, shot from the early 20th century to the late 1990s, parallels the National Geographic Society's interest in the ethnographic study of "exotic" cultures around the world - uncommon photographs of common people. In Focus highlights the work of National Geographic's most celebrated photographers, who have taken more pictures of people than of any other subject. From Steve McCurry's haunting image of the green-eyed Afghan girl to lesser known scenes of tribal leaders, fishermen, and American workers, In Focus takes viewers around the globe, through the heights and depths of human emotion. Images reveal deep-rooted connections to the environment, national identities, gender roles, and cultural preferences. They reveal the historical context of the moment while shedding light on larger world views that have been molded and re-cast throughout the centuries. TRAILER CITY: PORTRAIT OF A COMMUNITY, COMPLEMENTARY EXHIBIT In conjunction with In Focus: National Geographic Greatest Portraits, the History Center presents a photographic exhibit, "Trailer City: Portrait of a Community." This complementary exhibit by Peter Schreyer, documentary photographer and Crealdé School of Art Executive Director, explores disappearing Florida through photographs of a 70-year-old community of trailer homes situated on public land in Winter Garden, Fla. The exhibit serves as a tribute to the heritage and history of rural communities and diverse neighborhoods. IN FOCUS, GRAND OPENING CELEBRATION On November 20, 2008, the museum celebrates In Focus with a cocktail reception featuring international food and music, and special guest speaker, His Excellency Said T. Jawad, Afghanistan's Ambassador to the United States. 6:30 p.m. $25, Historical Society Members Free. Call (407) 836-8500 to R.S.V.P. ABOUT THE HISTORY CENTER The Orange County Regional History Center, housed in a restored historic five-story 1927 county courthouse in downtown Orlando, showcases the vast collections of the Historical Society of Central Florida, Inc. The History Center features three floors of permanent exhibitions that take visitors on a journey through the region's fascinating transition from Indian settlement to small town surrounded by citrus groves and cattle ranches to today's tourist-centric community. The museum also presents nationally important, limited-run exhibitions, bringing unique aspects of our nation's history to life in the heart of Central Florida. The History Center is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday. General admission is $9*, $7 seniors (60+), and $6 children ages 5-12. Historical Society Members, Orange County employees, and children 4 and under are free. Two hours free parking at the Orlando Public Library garage with paid admission. Guided tours on Saturdays at 11 a.m. are included in the price of admission. For general information, call (407) 836-8500 or visit www.thehistorycenter.org.
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