Tampa Bay History Center

Columbia Cafe inside the Tampa Bay History Center in Tampa, Florida.Tampa, Florida: On the edge of Channelside in downtown Tampa lies the 60,000 square foot Tampa Bay History Center. The three story museum in the heart of downtown takes its visitors on a journey through the history of the Tampa Bay region from the early native Americans through the culture of today’s society with stops at every era in between.

The dream of the history center began with the Historical Museum Task Force enacted by the Hillsborough County Commission in 1986. The task force indicated the need for a museum and the planning to make it happen was underway.

In 1998, the commission granted the use of the Community Investment Tax to help fund the building of the new museum building in downtown. Together with donations and partnerships from the public and private organizations, the construction began on the new facility.

The new museum was the county’s first green government building. The building featured recycles materials, natural lighting and energy efficient fixtures. Both the building and its exhibits are LEED certified.

The Tampa Bay History Center opened its doors to the public in 2009. The three story building features 25,000 square feet of exhibit space with interactive exhibits focusing on all aspects of local history.

As guests enter the museum through the large glass atrium, they begin their journey through the past beginning with the Native American tribes. From there we meet the conquistadors, early settlers and journey into the rich history of cigar making.

A journey up the stairs to the second floor takes us further along the timeline. Here you learn about how the region made its money through cattle ranching, farming and through the Port of Tampa. You will also take a look at the sports teams of the area, Tampa Bay Rays, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Tampa Bay Lightning and all the other sports that call the bay area home. You will also glimpse at some of the historic moments in Tampa Bay from the wars to the major news events like the Great Y’Bor City Fire. There is also a re-creation of a pioneer cabin and a gallery of historic maps to complete the second floor exhibits.

The third floor contains space for traveling exhibits. Currently the space is empty, but Living History will begin on May 14 and run through June 27.

The museum also host many special events and children’s workshops throughout the year. It is also home to the world renowned Columbia Café, featuring a sample menu from the historic Columbia Restaurant.

For more photos from the museum, visit my Tampa Bay History Center photo gallery.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Photo of the Day: Disney's Hollywood Studios

Image
  For many years, a towering, iconic Sorcerer's Hat served as the unmistakable central landmark for Disney's Hollywood Studios (formerly MGM Studios), drawing visitors deep into the park's vibrant heart. The hat, an enormous, three-dimensional representation of the magical cap worn by Mickey Mouse in his role as the Sorcerer's Apprentice from the classic film Fantasia , was initially erected as a centerpiece for the park's 100 Years of Magic celebration, honoring the centennial of Walt Disney's birth. Its prominent placement quickly cemented its status. Much like the instantly recognizable icons of the other Walt Disney World theme parks—Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom, the geodesic sphere of Spaceship Earth at EPCOT, and the intricately carved Tree of Life at Disney's Animal Kingdom—the Sorcerer's Hat became the park's most famous symbol and a favored backdrop for countless visitor photographs. Its design featured bold colors, stars, and the moon...
Read more

Photo of the Day: New York City

Image
Along the perimeter of Central Park, nestled within the vibrant core of New York City, stands a collection of the city's most architecturally significant and historic luxurious apartment buildings. These iconic addresses are more than just residences; they are meticulously preserved monuments that pay homage to a bygone era of Gilded Age splendor and pre-war elegance, maintaining their original magnificence and grandeur.  A premier example of these exceptional homes is The Beresford. Completed in 1929, this legendary co-op on Central Park West is instantly recognizable by its distinctive trio of massive copper towers and is celebrated for its imposing scale and sophisticated design. Conceived by the renowned architect Emery Roth, The Beresford stands as a testament to the period's commitment to lavish detail, expansive layouts, and unparalleled exclusivity. It offers residents breathtaking panoramic views of Central Park and the Manhattan skyline, cementing its status not just ...
Read more

Visiting the Florida Holocaust Museum: A Powerful and Reflective Experience

Image
St Petersburg, Florida: Located in the heart of downtown St. Petersburg, the Florida Holocaust Museum is one of the largest institutions of its kind in the United States, dedicated to preserving the memory of the Holocaust and educating future generations about the dangers of hatred and intolerance. Founded in 1992 by Holocaust survivors Walter and Edith Lobenberg, the museum has grown into a deeply moving cultural and educational destination that encourages visitors to reflect on history while promoting a more compassionate future.  Overview of the Museum  The museum’s core exhibit, “History, Heritage, and Hope,” takes visitors on a chronological journey through the Holocaust, beginning with the roots of antisemitism and continuing through the rise of Nazi Germany, World War II, and eventual liberation. The experience is largely self-guided, allowing visitors to move at their own pace while engaging with photographs, personal artifacts, and survivor testimonies.  One o...
Read more