Current exhibits
Mapping the 14th Colony
JUL. 3 - NOV. 29, 2026
The American Revolution helped shape a new nation, but Florida's role in that story is often overlooked. While the original 13 American British colonies joined the fight for independence, East Florida and West Florida remained loyal to the British crown. In "Mapping the 14th Colony: British Florida...
Upcoming exhibits
Cinema in the Sunshine State
SEP. 19, 2026 - MAR. 21, 2027
From the earliest days of filmmaking, Florida has played a vital role in American cinema. Once a rival to California for movie production, the Sunshine State’s warm climate and striking landscapes attracted filmmakers seeking year-round locations. Legendary jungle hero Tarzan swung through Florida’s...
Permanent exhibits
Touchton Map Library
The Touchton Map Library and Florida Center for Cartographic Education is home to thousands of maps, charts, and other documents dating back from the early European exploration of North America more than 500 years ago up through the early 21st century.
Treasure Seekers
Conquistadors, Pirates, and Shipwrecks: Featuring a 60-foot, 18th-century pirate ship as its centerpiece, this permanent gallery introduces you to the explorers who landed in “La Florida” more than 500 years ago as well as little-known pirates like “Calico” Jack Rackham and Anne Bonny, who prowled Florida’s coasts in the 1700s.
Past exhibits and virtual gallery tours
Founded in 1989 by the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners, the History Center opened its new 60,000-square-foot facility on Water Street in 2009. Since then, we've presented more than 50 exhibitions in the Wayne Thomas Gallery and Saunders Foundation Gallery. Explore the archive and discover past lectures, blog posts, and classroom resources.
