‘Invisible Immigrants’ opening weekend welcomes families from across the country to Tampa
After more than a decade of research and a four-year run in major Spanish cities, the Tampa Bay History Center is the first U.S. museum to host the exhibit with Fundación Consejo España – EE. UU.; Centro Asturiano de Tampa, Centro Español de Tampa plan immersion weekend for families
MADRID – TAMPA, Fla. (Feb. 12, 2025) — The Invisible Immigrants. Spaniards in the U.S. (1868–1945) exhibition will open at the Tampa Bay History Center on March 1, 2025, running through August 3, 2025. The exhibition explores the often-overlooked history of Spanish emigration to the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
“This is a remarkable opportunity for our community to engage with a pivotal chapter of immigration history,” said C.J. Roberts, president and CEO of the Tampa Bay History Center. “We’re honored to be the first museum in the country to host this exhibition, which brings to light the stories of countless individuals whose experiences still resonate with families here in the Tampa Bay area.”
The exhibit, Invisible Immigrants, showcases the Spanish diaspora through over 300 photographs, objects, documents, and audiovisual materials. It follows the journey of thousands of Spanish workers and farmers who left their homeland in search of better opportunities in the U.S. Converted into a bilingual version for its tour across the U.S., the narrative is framed through six chapters: Goodbye, Now Get to Work!, Living la Vida, They Got Organized, Solidarity and Strife, and Made in the USA.
A Personal and Emotional Journey
Curated by New York University Professor James D. Fernández and journalist-filmmaker Luis Argeo, the exhibition draws from a vast archive of over 15,000 records, including family albums and personal memorabilia. “This exhibition provides a rare, intimate glimpse into the immigrant experience of Spanish families who shaped the United States over a century ago,” said Fernández.
Tampa’s Immigrant Heritage
The exhibit highlights Tampa’s own immigrant story. “Modern Tampa owes a great deal of its history, culture, and success to the immigrants who began arriving to the sleepy fishing village in the 1880s,” shares Rodney Kite-Powell, director of the Touchton Map Library at the Tampa Bay History Center. “Following the cigar industry from Havana to Key West to Tampa’s Ybor City, the Spaniards, Cubans, and Sicilians who came to Tampa and West Tampa helped to create not only an important industry but a vibrant multicultural city.”
Support and Recognition
The exhibition’s tour began in Tampa, Florida, thanks to a collaboration between the Fundación Consejo España —EE.UU. and the Tampa Bay History Center, supported by the Spanish Secretary of State for Foreign and Global Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, and Accion Cultural Española AC/E, among others.
During its tour of Spain, the exhibition received the support of the City Council of Madrid, the Municipal Foundation for Culture, Education and People’s University of the City of Gijón/Xixón, and the City Council of Almería. It was also provided with continuing support by New York University and its foundation in Spain, the King Juan Carlos I Foundation, Técnicas Reunidas, the Secretariat of State for Foreign and Global Affairs, the United States Embassy to Spain, the Franklin-UAH Institute, and additional backing from the Provincial Council of Almería and the City Council of Olula del Río.
Since its inception, a number of individuals have supported this project, including author María Dueñas, renowned Spanish-U.S. chef and activist José Andrés, journalist and filmmaker Guillermo Fesser, musician Cristina Pato, and author Eduardo Lago, among others.
Invisible Immigrants Immersion Weekend in Tampa
Tampa’s Spanish community is inviting the public to the Invisible Immigrants Immersion Weekend, a series of events from Friday, Feb. 28, through Sunday, March 2, 2025, celebrating the U.S. debut of the exhibition Invisible Immigrants: Spaniards in the U.S. (1868–1945). While the exhibition opens at the Tampa Bay History Center on Saturday, March 1, the Immersion Weekend events are organized independently by Tampa’s Spanish community organizations and are not affiliated with the History Center.
“As visitors come to Tampa for the exhibition, we’re using this opportunity to showcase Cigar City and celebrate the many Spanish immigrants who helped build it,” said Cristal Lastra, president of Centro Asturiano de Tampa.
“Our mission is to honor, preserve, and celebrate the cultural heritage and history of the Spanish families who settled in Tampa,” said John Rañon, president of Centro Español de Tampa. “This commitment led us to become early supporters of James Fernández’s research, and we are excited to share his award-winning exhibition, in collaboration with filmmaker Luis Argeo, with our friends and neighbors.”
Weekend Event Overview
The Invisible Immigrants Immersion Weekend offers a unique opportunity to celebrate Tampa’s Spanish heritage and honor the often-overlooked stories of Spanish immigrants who helped shape the region. Events will take place throughout the weekend and will highlight the cultural contributions of Tampa’s Spanish community.
The Immersion Weekend is made possible by sponsors including Centro Ybor, Centro Asturiano de Tampa, Centro Español de Tampa, J.C. Newman Cigar Co., Catering by the Family, and Hotel Haya.
For more information and to RSVP for events, click here. (Password: 030125)
Friday, Feb. 28
The weekend kicks off on Friday, Feb. 28, at noon with La Bienvenida a Tampa at the J.C. Newman Cigar Factory, located at 2701 N. 16th Ave. Guests will enjoy an iconic Tampa lunch, followed by a tour of the oldest family-owned premium cigar factory in the country. The event will also feature a discussion highlighting Tampa’s Spanish roots, a key part of the city’s identity.
At 3:30 p.m. on Friday, attendees can continue their exploration of the city’s history with a tour of the historic Hotel Haya, located at 1412 E. 7th Ave. The hotel, named after the first president of Centro Español, occupies the former Las Novedades Restaurant building. The tour will provide a glimpse into the history and significance of this notable Tampa landmark.
The day will conclude with An Evening at the Centro Asturiano from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Centro Asturiano de Tampa, located at 1913 N. Nebraska Ave. This event takes place in the historic Asturian Social Club of Ybor City and features cocktails, dinner, and entertainment, all set against the backdrop of a Spanish cultural celebration.
Saturday, March 1
On Saturday, March 1, at 10 a.m., the Tampa Bay History Center will host the Opening Day Reception of “Invisible Immigrants” in the History Center’s TECO Hall, located at 801 Water St. The exhibit will shine a light on the untold stories of immigrants who helped shape Tampa’s diverse cultural landscape. A curator-led gallery tour will commence at 11:15 a.m. in the Wayne Thomas Gallery. Members of the public and press are invited to the History Center.
Later that evening, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., guests are invited to An Evening at the Historic Centro Español Building at 1536 E. 7th Ave. in Ybor City. This event blends Ybor City culture, with a mix of food, cocktails, and thought-provoking discussions that pay tribute to the heritage that defines the area.
Sunday, March 2
The weekend will wrap up on Sunday, March 2, with La Despedida, a farewell brunch at Centro Español West Tampa, located at 2306 N. Howard Ave. From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., guests will enjoy a delicious brunch while exploring the Centro Español in West Tampa, closing out the weekend with a celebration of shared history and community.
About the Exhibition
This exhibition was made possible thanks to the generous contribution of their families and descendants, whose enthusiasm has provided essential support for this project, which, from the outset, has sought to recognize and acknowledge their determination to preserve the memory of their families and, therefore, of the Spanish presence in the contemporary history of the United States. The beginning of the exhibition’s tour in the city of Tampa, Fla., is the result of the collaboration between the Fundación Consejo España – EE.UU. and the Tampa Bay History Center, supported by the Spanish Secretary of State for Foreign and Global Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the European Union and Cooperation, and Accion Cultural Española AC/E.
About the Fundación Consejo España – EE.UU.
The Fundación Consejo España – EE.UU. is a private, not-for-profit organization whose Board consists of major Spanish corporations, cultural and academic institutions, and members of the Spanish public administration. It was created in 1997 to strengthen the bonds between Spain and the United States in all areas and as to achieve greater mutual understanding and awareness to foster common initiatives. Since its inception, it has shared this mission with its U.S. counterpart, the United States Spain Council. Through its own programs and activities, as well as supporting other similar initiatives, the Fundación Consejo España – EE.UU. promotes dialogue and facilitates connections between the people of Spain and the United States, having become the organization of reference for public diplomacy between both countries. For more information, visit www.spainusa.org
About the Tampa Bay History Center
Located on Tampa’s Water Street, the Tampa Bay History Center offers three floors of exhibits that highlight 12,000 years of Florida’s history and culture. Accredited by the American Alliance of Museums and a Smithsonian Affiliate, the center features the Touchton Map Library and Florida Center for Cartographic Education, as well as the Witt Research Center. The History Center is also home to the Columbia Cafe. Known as one of Tampa’s premier cultural venues, it provides interactive, hands-on exhibits and theaters that offer an engaging and educational experience for visitors of all ages. For more information, visit www.tampabayhistorycenter.org.
About Centro Asturiano de Tampa
Centro Asturiano de Tampa was founded as a social club on April 8, 1902, for immigrants and descendants from Asturias, Spain. Membership historically provided hospital benefits, cemetery services, and health insurance, offering support throughout members’ lives. Today, the historic building hosts club gatherings, weddings, parties, corporate events, and galas, remaining a place for community and celebration. For more information, visit www.centroasturianotampa.org.
About Centro Español de Tampa
Founded in December 1891, Centro Español de Tampa was established by a group of Spanish immigrants just five years after the first cigar was produced in Tampa and is the second oldest Spanish mutual aid society in the U.S. Originally created to meet the social, cultural, and practical needs of the Spanish community, it served as a gathering place for workers, a venue for entertainment, and a resource for language learning and medical services. Over time, the institution grew into a vital refuge and a symbol of community strength. Alongside other organizations such as L’Unione Italiana, Centro Asturiano, Circulo Cubano, and Union Martí Maceo, Centro Español played a pivotal role in shaping Tampa’s vibrant Latin Quarter and contributing to the city’s unique cultural evolution. For more information, visit www.centroespanoltampa.org.
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About the Author
The Tampa Bay History Center welcomed Billy Somerville as its Director of Marketing and Communications in 2021. Billy leads the History Center’s external communication and content strategy across media channels with over a decade of experience in the...