The Apopka Museum

⬛️🟨Happy Juneteenth!🟩🟥

This Juneteenth we remember and honor the enslaved people who called the area of modern day Apopka home.

🏕️🛶💧Rock Springs was settled/homestead in 1840 by Major William Delk, and his 20 slaves.

1📸) An article written by Jim Robinson, Former reporter Orlando Sentinel newspaper in 1991 when he interviewed the late Mayor John Land about Rock Springs. Mayor Land, a great Historian of this region, drew a map hunters used in early days and including the presence of slaves and their contributions in being environmental stewards 🌱 of this region both in bo***ge and freedom⛓️‍💥.

2📸) Joseph Roberts Delk, in a faded photo of him taken by Apopka Chief Newspaper 100 years ago, when he was interviewed about early life in Rock Springs as a slave and freedman. He was the son of William Delk, a slave owner, after the Civil War he returned to the Sorrento area where he was a successful farmer. Joseph was summoned by Dr. Howard A. Kelly, founder of John Hopkins Hospital to assess the significance of this treasured, pristine, and mystical spring of crystal clear water💧 . Dr. Howard purchased Rock Springs and donated it to Orange County for the recreational enjoyment and spiritual enrichment of its residents👥.

A special thank you to Francina Boykin for the information.

On behalf of the Apopka Historical Society and Museum we wish Mayor Jerry L. Demings healing, strength, and a speedy recovery as you begin your health journey.
We look forward to our continued partnership in preserving the rich history of Apopka and Northwest Orange County! City of Apopka Government
Maribel Brinkle
AHS, President

The Apopka Museum and Historical Society proudly celebrates Eagle Scout Charles Phelps from Troop 211 on completing his impressive two-year Eagle Scout project.
We were honored to have Mayor Nick Nesta
and Commissioner Yesenia LeonBaron join us for the flag presentation and dedication. Special thanks to Historical Society President Maribel Brinkle and all our board members The Apopka Museum for their support. Charlotte White, Britt Hayes City of Apopka Government

We’re grateful to tenor Steven Brinkle for singing the National Anthem, to Historian Francina Boykin for leading us in prayer, to Scoutmaster Mr. Chris Smith and his assistant leaders, and a special thank you to Mr. Chad Creech Apopka Serves Foundation a lifelong Scout himself, who presented the certificate of achievement alongside our president.
Charles embodied the twelve points of the Scout Law — trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent.

We are very proud of his accomplishment and look forward to continuing our partnership with Troop 211 and the Boy Scouts. These organizations build the leaders of tomorrow while making a real impact in our community. We strongly encourage young people to join — the future needs them!
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'Gracious and Loving God, as we gather today, our hearts are filled with both deep gratitude and humble remembrance. We pause to honor the courageous men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Their selfless devotion is the foundation of the freedom we enjoy today. 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

Every Service Member’s grave is now flying an American Flag thanks to Mr.Britt Hayes, The Apopka Museum and Apopka City Commissioner Seat 4 Jesenia Baron representing our city government and the wonderful community volunteers that show this morning to the Florida Memorial Park Cemetery in South Apopka to paid their respects and Honor the Black Americans Veterans. 🇺🇸Memorial Day is for all the American heroes who died defending freedom and our nation!!🙏🇺🇸❤️