Save the Date for the History Center’s Annual Gala on November 14, 2025!

This year’s theme is “Something in the Air: Celebrating Our Civilian and Military Aviation History.”

A special thank you to our returning Gala Chairs, History Center Trustee Duncan Belser and his wife, Jessica.

Tickets for the 2025 Gala are now available for purchase.

Platinum Sponsorship
$10,000 includes 10 attendees, name recognition on signage ($8,500 charitable donation)

Gold Sponsorship
$5,000 includes 10 attendees, name recognition on signage ($3,500 charitable donation)

Silver Sponsorship
$2,500 includes 6 attendees, name recognition on signage ($1,600 charitable donation)

Patron
$500 per person, name recognition of signage ($350 charitable donation)

Individual
$300 per person ($150 charitable donation)

Visionary
$150 per person (for individuals under the age of 40)

Donation
(100% charitable donation)

2024 Gala Recap

After a long summer, Tampa families, sponsors and history lovers gathered together for a night of fun and celebration at the History Center’s Annual Gala. Gala Chairs, History Center Trustee Duncan Belser and his wife Jessica, welcomed the crowd to celebrate the region’s maritime and agricultural heritage with the theme “Ships and Saddles.” Partygoers donned tuxes and gowns with their best cowboy boots and bolos! Themed welcome cocktails, a “Blue Horizon” and “Cowboy Punch” kicked off the evening.

The Columbia Cafe continued the festivities with a lavish “surf and turf” spread. A “Ships” buffet featured a seemingly endless fresh seafood bar with shrimp, crab claws, lobster and Spanish style hog fish, while the “Saddles” display included smoked brisket, apple brandy duck sausage, pecan guava pork ribs and native chili. A s’mores bar, bourbon cake and saloon bar of specialty cocktails rounded out the offerings. A Gala favorite, The Paul Vesco Band kept guests dancing long past dessert.

CLICK HERE to view and download Gala 2024 photos.