OVIEDO HISTORICAL SOCIETY

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". We are currently undergoing renovations and improvements as part of the Lawton Legacy Campaign. Come see our work in progress. You'll have to excuse our mess as we begin renovations on the Lawton House Property.

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 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.

We want to congratulate the following 2026 RJ Lawton Scholarship award winners. Oviedo High School presented their scholarships on the evening of April 22nd. Hagerty High School will present their awards at a breakfast on May 13th. At each event, a representative will award the winners a $750 check for their continuing education. Congratulations!

Mr. Brian Nicholson - Hagerty High School

Ms. Madison Smith - Hagerty High School

Ms. Hailey Bundy - Oviedo High School

Ms. Audrey Wilson - Oviedo High School

Robert James Lawton Scholarship

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 have committees that need you in the areas of Landscaping, historical preservation, market management, fundraising, youth educational programs, and music. If you have a talent share or idea for a program to run, please reach out to us.

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

Join us this December 12th for our Annual Christmas Spectacular at the Lawton House. The event begins at 12pm with our Holiday Spectacular Christmas Market. At 4pm, the fun continues as Santa arrives for pictures at the Lawton House, all in preparation for the Lawton Holiday Christmas lights celebration with holiday sing-alongs and cheer. The event ends at dusk as we light up the Lawton House, bringing back a cherished tradition to Oviedo. If you want to volunteer your talents or time to this market, please reach out to us.

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.

We have three markets this holiday season. November 7th, December 5th, and December 12th. On December 12th we hold our Annual Holiday Spectacular with A Lawton Holiday Christmas celebration. We are bringing back a holiday tradition to the Lawton House. Lights go on shortly after dusk.

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. You have to try the Food Court! Order lunch to-go.

See you O-vee There!

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.