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Florida Conversations: Hotels, Motels and Inns of Florida
Presented by Kristen Hare, journalist, author, and Florida travel writer
Since the late 1800s, tourists have been traveling to the Sunshine State for rest, sun, and fun. Over the years, Florida’s hotels, motels, and inns have provided them with a home away from home. Discover more than 60 historic properties across the state that still welcome guests, from the unique inn constructed of driftwood and filled with antiques in Vero Beach to the iconic pink palaces found throughout the state, as well as the family-owned motels where generations of visitors have vacationed. Black Floridians established thriving lodgings, providing spaces for culture and joy during the era of segregation. You may not stay at the Vinoy, the Don, or the Biltmore, but author Kristen Hare offers a welcoming exploration of their histories and significance.
Florida Conversations is free and accessible in person and streamed live on Zoom. We thank our sponsors: USF Libraries, WUSF Public Media, and AARP Tampa Bay. Additional sponsor support is graciously provided by Shelley Blood and the Lorenzo Molay Family.
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Museum hours
The history center is open daily from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
**Galleries are closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas and open until 3 p.m. on Christmas and New Year’s Eve.
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Weddings
The History Center provides a dramatic and historic backdrop for your wedding, wedding reception or rehearsal dinner. Give your wedding a unique Tampa flair your guests will remember for a lifetime.
Corporate events
Are you looking for a one-of-a-kind Tampa experience for your next corporate event or convention party? Are you a meeting planner looking for a unique setting to host a board retreat or employee function? Located within walking distance of downtown hotels, the History Center is perfect for your next corporate event.
