About the Project
The Eatonville History Preservation Project is a collaboration between the Orange County Library System’s Eatonville Branch and eSTEAMED Learning, Inc., merging the arts of quilting and storytelling to preserve the history and culture of Eatonville through personal stories of pride and resilience from those with generational ties to the historic town. View highlights of the Eatonville History Preservation Project 2025.
Project Coordinators
Sara Brown manages the activities, programs, and staff of the Orange County Library System’s Eatonville Branch.
Candace Finley, Ed.D is the Founder and Executive Director of eSTEAMed Learning, Inc., a nonprofit that provides STEAM project-based learning opportunities in under-served communities to increase their representation in the industry.
The Quilter
Lisa G. Moore is a visual storyteller who speaks through fabric, transforming ordinary material into extraordinary narratives of resilience and identity. Quilting is a medium that allows Lisa to preserve and celebrate the unsung stories of generations past.
Celebration June 7, 2025
On Saturday, June 7, a reception and the Quilt Unveiling Ceremony was held at the Eatonville Branch to reveal the completed quilt, honor the Eatonville residents who shared their stories, and the artistry of quilt maker Lisa G. Moore.
The quilt will be displayed permanently at the Eatonville Branch so library customers can learn about Eatonville from the people who call the historical town home. Project participants, special guest Representative Anna V. Eskamani, PhD, and over 70 others attended the event.
The Eatonville History Preservation Project 2025 features photos of Eatonville residents with corresponding videos sharing their personal stories of pride and resilience as it relates to living in the historic town.
Artist Lisa G. Moore designed and created the quilt using fabric collected from Eatonville residents. The quilt will serve as the background for photos of Eatonville residents. The photos, labeled with the names of each of the residents and a QR code that links to the participant’s OrlandoMemory.org post, are attached to a clothesline to symbolize the historical connection and solidarity of Eatonville.
Melrose Center Gallery
Eatonville History Preservation Project Melrose Center Gallery Opening took place at the Orlando Public Library on July 10, 2025. Photographs of the participants created by Melrose Center photographers Pedro Raphael Berrios and Zakaria White are featured. Each portrait includes a QR code linking the visitor to the oral history interviews below.
Oral History Interviews
The Eatonville Library manager, staff including Outreach Social Worker, Yvette Shelton-Edmonds and Branch Outreach Specialist, Sherronda Thomas, along with Community Partner Dr. Candace Finley recruited Eatonville residents to participate in the project. Participants had to have generational ties to the Town of Eatonville and currently reside in the Town.
Enjoy the memories and stories of each of the participants by clicking on the links below.
Sara Brown – About the Project
Lisa G. Moore – Quilt Concept
N.Y. Nathiri – Executive Director, Association to Preserve Eatonville Community, Inc.
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Town of Eatonville Entry Arch
Town of Eatonville Entry Arch and clock. Photographed by Amanda Murphy January 29, 2022.
Town of Eatonville Entry Arch
Town of Eatonville Entry Arch and clock. Photographed by Amanda Murphy January 29, 2022.
Rise Mural
Rise Mural in Eatonville's Elizabeth Park created by Art of Collaboration muralists and poets. Photographed by Amanda Murphy January 29, 2022.
Town of Eatonville Water Tower
Town of Eatonville water tower. Photographed by Amanda Murphy January 29, 2022.
Eatonville Town Hall Center
Eatonville Town Hall Center established 1887. Photographed by Amanda Murphy January 26, 2024.
Eatonville Town Hall's Clock Tower and Flag
Skyscape of Eatonville Town Hall clock tower and town motto flag. Photographed by Amanda Murphy January 26, 2024.
Eatonville History Preservation Project
Eatonville History Preservation Project
Keeping Our Heritage Alive
Keeping Our Heritage Alive
Recording History
Eatonville Library Manager Sara Brown conducting an interview with Theo Washington on April 9, 2025.
Photo Shoot
Eatonville resident Theo Washington having his portrait made on April 9, 2025.
Unveiling of the Quilt
The quilt unveiled with pieces of all the fabrics donated by the participants.
Representative Anna V. Eskamani
Representative Anna V. Eskamani attended the Quilt Unveiling Ceremony and posed for a photo with the quilt and project coordinators. She wrote...
Quilt close ups
Quilt close ups
Admiring the quilt
Quilt creator and participants admire the quilt at the unveiling.
Sara Brown
Sara Brown, Eatonville Library Branch Manager and project coordinator.
Sara Brown
Sara Brown, Eatonville Library Branch Manager and project coordinator explaining the photos and QR codes displayed on the clothesline attached to the...
Candace Finley
Candace Finley, Ed.D - Project Coordinator - is the Founder and Executive Director of eSTEAMed Learning, Inc., a nonprofit that provides STEAM proje...
Viewing the Videos
Viewing the Videos
Attendees
Attendees and participants at the Quilt Unveiling Ceremony.
Project participant at the Quilt Unveiling Ceremony.
Theo Washington
Project participant Theo Washington at the Quilt Unveiling Ceremony.
Program for the Eatonville History Preservation Project 2025 Quilt Unveiling Ceremony conducted at the Eatonville Branch Library on June 7, 2025 at 12 noon.