Preserving Your Business’s Historical Legacy

 
 
Historical Photo of the sign at Beefy King

Historical Photo of the sign at Beefy King

WHY

Businesses make up an important part of a community’s history. By maintaining a historical record, you not only serve your community, but also benefit your own business in the process.

Preserving historical records allows you to

  • Use the insight of historical context when making decisions.

  • Maintain your business’s “memory” even when there’s turnover.

  • Have a reliable information asset that supports managers, legal counsel, media coordinators, HR, and other key personnel.

 

WHAT

Businesses large and small maintain records of their company's founders, structure, performance, culture, achievements, innovations, and relationships to their communities.

This may include

  • Original documents, especially those related to significant moments in your business’s history like the first sale, moving/expanding, and changes in leadership or policy.

  • Architectural records and records of any changes made to your building or property.

  • Examples of marketing materials, merchandise, products, uniforms, etc.

  • Copies of publications, including some types of internal communications like employee newsletters.

  • Photographs, especially those documenting important milestones or events.

  • Oral histories with long-time or retired employees.

Interior at Sportstown

Interior at Sportstown

 
Whiskey-lous-Lounge.jpg

Lou’s Whiskey Lounge

How

Decide what records your business is going to collect for long-term preservation; by what procedures or mechanisms; and where the records will be stored so that they are safe, organized, and accessible. Apply the same guidelines you would use to preserve your family’s treasures. If digital, make sure the records are backed up in more than one location.

THE ORANGE COUNTY REGIONAL HISTORY CENTER CAN HELP.

We collect historical records of Central Florida businesses and organizations and make them available for research, education, and exhibition. Depending on your business’s needs, museum professionals, archivists, and oral historians can provide a range of services to help preserve your business’s legacy.

To learn more, contact Historical Society of Central Florida's Curator of Collections at (407) 836-8584.