The Tampa Bay History Center opened the doors of a 60’000 square-foot facility in 2009 on Tampa’s Riverwalk. Then, in 2012, the center entered into an agreement to be a Smithsonian Affiliate. This long-term partnership allows the sharing of collections, exhibitions, and educational strategies. It also facilitates joint research. Three years later, in 2015, they were recognized for their operations and impact. Resulting in accreditation by the American Alliance of Museums.
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The Center has three floors of both permanent and temporary exhibits. Starting on the second floor, you start by learning about Florida’s First People. Native groups like the Tocobaga and Timucua. They lived here for several thousand years before the arrival of Europeans. Displays teach you about the tools and technologies they used to carve out an existence on Florida’s west coast. Have you ever been curious about when European explorers and natives clashed? You can find out in “Winds of Change”. A 15-minute animated feature showing in the theater. Moving through the exhibit floor, you come to the Charles L. Knight Gallery. This collection of Seminole craftwork is one of the largest. Did you know the Second Seminole War was one of the longest military conflicts in our history? Hear the story from both sides. Lt. John Sprague was stationed in Tampa with the 8th Infantry. And the young Seminole leader, Coacoochee, or “Wild Cat”. Moving forward in time, you’ll learn how thousands of immigrants from Cuba, Spain, and Italy proudly earned Tampa the nickname, Cigar City.
Welcome to the third floor. An interactive map allows you to take a virtual tour around Tampa. View historic photographs of significant landmarks. Read about how each helped shape the city. Large photographic panels and artifacts cover the past 500 years of our region. Next, you’re transported into an actual cattle drive as you hear of Florida’s ranching history. A section devoted to Natural Resources tests your knowledge of the region and supporting industries. A theater presentation inside a cargo container tells the tale of Tampa’s industrial ports. Tampa is rich in sports history with three professional teams located here. Year-Round Play highlights this and gives you the chance to show off your sports trivia knowledge. But it’s not all fun and games. Tampa was also the site of significant events that were catalysts for change. Learn how we played a role in civil rights, urban development, and the environment. Walk through a replica pioneer cabin to see what life was like back then. War Stories focuses on those that served in the wars that have touched our region since the 1830s.
The fourth floor. Home to temporary exhibits and Florida’s pirate history. Treasure Seekers: Conquistadors, Pirates, and Shipwrecks! Ply the coast with Pirates. Sail unknown seas with explorers. And dive to the depths of the ocean in search of lost fortunes in this new gallery. The History Center is also home to one of the most comprehensive collections of Florida cartography in the world. This collection spans five centuries. In the Pirates Fate theater, guests choose their adventure aboard a stolen sloop in this 8-minute presentation.
For a limited time (check their site), Cuban Pathways tells the intertwined stories of Taino Indians, enslaved Africans, Chinese laborers, and tourists. The largest island in the Caribbean is a hub of the modern Atlantic world. Come see how these individuals shaped the island’s history. The exhibit is scheduled to appear through February 12, 2023.
The Community Case is a 14-foot-long exhibit case that puts local groups front and center for a three-month period. Currently, Hillsborough High School is on exhibit, but past showcases have been many and varied. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay. Tampa Women’s Club. Nursing Heroes. Moffitt Cancer Center. Panama Canal Museum. Just to name a few.
In addition to all the History Center has to offer, they also have many different events. Including walking tours and book groups. For more information on all they have to offer, visit their website at www.tampabayhistorycenter.org