Florida Guide > Other Florida
Tampa Bay History Center
The Tampa Bay History Center is situated at 801 Old Water Street in Tampa Florida 33602 and has a spectacular waterside position in the Channelside district. This museum covers 60000 square feet so comfortable footware is a must.
This would be a very reasonable drive from the Orlando area as a day trip and helps you better understand the history of Florida and particuarly Tampa before the advent of Disney et al.
Here you can visit the awesome atrium with its interactive exhibits (which are so great for making eevents more graphic for children) stroll through the re created cigar store from the nineteen twenties, visit the theatre and walk the cattle drive.
The theatre currently shows the history of Tampa from the early European settlers which goes back to the fifteen twenties so covers over 500 years and is a welcome sit down when you have tramped this extensive museum.
In my view, the other museum highlights are
The Cowman and Crackers: Floridas ranching history which places the visitor in the middle of an actual cattle drive.
War Stories : this covers the battles from the 1830s that affected the region.
Floridas first people : Shows Tocobaga and Calusa artefacts, including pottery, weapons, and pottery and also original artwork from the other coast by the famed St. Augustine artist Theodore Morris.
Icons of Tampa Bay (works of art that represent this area)
Right through the year this museum holds special events which include things such as the hands on activities, lectures, galas and Florida Conversations.
If there are 10 or more of you ( and this must be all adults) you can reserve a tour. These cost only $7 per person and must be booked at least 3 weeks in advance. This can be done by calling Julie on 813 67 8981
The salmon colour of the building is rather a surprise but works very well in its water side setting. There is a gift shop to buy a souvenir for yourself or maybe a gift to take home.
The museum opens from 10 a. m to 5 p. m every day of the year except for Christmas Day and Thanksgiving As I write admission to this museum is free of charge but donations are invited and appreciated.
Parking is available at The St Pete Times Forum East lot (you will find this north of the History Center) The Channelside Parking Garage , Ybor City parking garage (taking the street car to Channelside District)
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