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X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Tampa Bay History Center
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260221T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260221T113000
DTSTAMP:20260203T150804Z
CREATED:20260203T150420Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260203T150804Z
UID:10004061-1771668000-1771673400@tampabayhistorycenter.org
SUMMARY:Walking Tour: Central Avenue
DESCRIPTION:The Tampa Bay History Center offers guided walking tours that foreground the history and lived experience of Tampa’s Black community. Among the most popular is the Encore Tampa tour\, which traces the legacy of the Tempo District\, formerly Central Avenue\, once a major center of Black commerce\, music\, and cultural life. \nThe 90-minute tour explores the Encore neighborhood\, historically known as “the Scrub\,” and examines the social\, economic\, and artistic forces that shaped the area from the 1890s through the 1960s. Highlights include Perry Harvey Sr. Park and nearby sites that continue to preserve and interpret this history. \nTours begin at 10 a.m. and cover less than one mile over sidewalks and brick streets. Guests are advised to wear comfortable walking shoes and dress for outdoor conditions. \nMeeting location: Tampa’s Black History Museum\, 1213 N. Central AvenueTickets: Advance purchase required \nAttendance is limited to 25 participants per tour. Reservations are recommended to ensure availability. \n\nTOUR TICKETS
URL:https://tampabayhistorycenter.org/event/walking-tour-central-avenue-3/
LOCATION:Tampa’s Black History Museum\, 1213 N Central Ave\, Tampa\, FL\, 33602\, United States
CATEGORIES:Tours
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://tampabayhistorycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Walking-Tour-Central-Leaders-Row-1920x10800-002-1.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Tampa Bay History Center":MAILTO:info@tampabayhistorycenter.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260314T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260314T113000
DTSTAMP:20260127T184005Z
CREATED:20250926T143128Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260127T184005Z
UID:10003747-1773482400-1773487800@tampabayhistorycenter.org
SUMMARY:Walking Tour: Ybor City
DESCRIPTION:Step back in time to the cigar capital of the world. Ybor City’s rich cultural heritage and immigrant roots made it one of Florida’s most vibrant communities. Tour Tampa’s only National Historic Landmark District and learn about early Ybor City people\, social life and work culture. Stroll past mutual aid societies\, the Ybor Cigar Factory and other key landmarks. \nEach tour runs 90 minutes and kicks off at 10 a.m. With only 25 spots available\, you’ll enjoy an intimate experience as you explore about one mile of Tampa’s historic sidewalks and brick streets. Wear your most comfortable walking shoes and dress for the weather—you’ll want to enjoy every step. \nTour Details \n\nMeeting Place: Jose Marti Park at the Corner of 8th Ave and 13th St\, Tampa\, FL\nTickets: Advance tickets required. Private tours can be arranged by calling (813) 228-0097\n\nDon’t miss your chance to walk the streets where history was made. Claim your ticket now and join us for an unforgettable journey through Ybor City. \nTOUR TICKETS
URL:https://tampabayhistorycenter.org/event/walking-tour-ybor-city-2/
LOCATION:Jose Marti Park\, 1303 E 8th Ave\, Tampa\, FL\, 33605\, United States
CATEGORIES:Tours
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://tampabayhistorycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Ybor-City_1920x1080_8420.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Tampa Bay History Center":MAILTO:info@tampabayhistorycenter.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260321T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260321T113000
DTSTAMP:20260227T162414Z
CREATED:20250926T140328Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260227T162414Z
UID:10003748-1774087200-1774092600@tampabayhistorycenter.org
SUMMARY:Walking Tour: College Hill Black History
DESCRIPTION:On the hunt for a historic tour in Tampa Bay? Experience the College Hill Black History Walking Tour\, a captivating 90-minute exploration of significant historical sites in Tampa’s Black community. \nThe College Hill Black History Walking Tour celebrates the rich heritage of East Tampa’s College Hill neighborhood. In the late 1800s\, Black families began purchasing lots in anticipation of a college being built—a promise that ultimately went unfulfilled. By the 1920s\, the area had become home to over 5\,000 residents. Key landmarks on the tour include Middleton High School\, the Lee Davis Community Resource Center\, the Florida Sentinel Bulletin newspaper\, the Cyrus Greene Recreation Center\, and two historic African American cemeteries: College Hill and Memorial Park. \nGroup size is limited to just 25 guests\, making this tour a more personal experience. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and dress for the outdoors as you set out to explore. Your journey begins at the C. Blythe Andrews Jr. Public Library\, 2607 E. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.\, Tampa\, FL 33610. Advance tickets are required\, and private tours can be arranged by calling (813) 228-0097. Spots fill quickly\, so grab your tickets today and get ready to experience Tampa history up close. \nTOUR TICKETS
URL:https://tampabayhistorycenter.org/event/walking-tour-college-hill-back-history-tour/
LOCATION:C. Blythe Andrews Jr. Public Library\, 2607 E Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd\, Tampa\, FL\, 33610\, United States
CATEGORIES:Tours
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://tampabayhistorycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Hockey-1920-x-1080-px-Presentation-7.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Tampa Bay History Center":MAILTO:info@tampabayhistorycenter.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260404T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260404T113000
DTSTAMP:20260331T143101Z
CREATED:20250926T141718Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T143101Z
UID:10003749-1775296800-1775302200@tampabayhistorycenter.org
SUMMARY:Walking Tour: Central Avenue
DESCRIPTION:This guided walking tour through the vibrant Encore neighborhood uncovers the stories of Central Avenue and the surrounding area\, once known as the “scrub\,” the heart of Tampa’s Black community. From the 1890s through the 1960s\, this district thrived with music\, business and culture. Some of the world’s top entertainers (Ella Fitzgerald\, Louis Armstrong\, Cab Calloway and others) performed here. Ray Charles lived here and recorded his first song two blocks away from Central and the “chitlin’ circuit.” And the 1960s dance craze “the Twist” was born here. The district thrived with music\, business and culture\, and its legacy still echoes through the streets today. \nTours begin at 10 a.m. and last 90 minutes. Groups are limited to 25 guests for a more personal experience. The route covers seven blocks\, weaving through sidewalks\, brick streets\, and Perry Harvey Sr. Park. Comfortable shoes and outdoor attire are recommended. Guests will learn about the importance of the longshoremen to Tampa’s economy and growth\, “three for a quarter” hot dogs at  Moses White’s Cozy Corner Restaurant\, the nightclub owner many said was the richest Black man in Tampa during segregation\, the courage of Florida NAACP Field Director Bob Saunders and the Black woman who advised Thurgood Marshall in the 1940s on equalizing pay for all educators. \nMeet your guide at Tampa’s Black History Museum\, 1213 N. Central Avenue. Advance tickets required. \nTOUR TICKETS
URL:https://tampabayhistorycenter.org/event/walking-tour-central-avenue/
LOCATION:Tampa’s Black History Museum\, 1213 N Central Ave\, Tampa\, FL\, 33602\, United States
CATEGORIES:Tours
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://tampabayhistorycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Walking-Tour-Central-Leaders-Row-1920x10800-002-1.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Tampa Bay History Center":MAILTO:info@tampabayhistorycenter.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260411T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260411T113000
DTSTAMP:20260219T212831Z
CREATED:20250926T135447Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260219T212831Z
UID:10003750-1775901600-1775907000@tampabayhistorycenter.org
SUMMARY:Walking Tour: Downtown Tampa
DESCRIPTION:Looking for a unique activity to do in Tampa Bay? Join the Tampa Bay History Center for an immersive downtown walking tour. This guided trek leads you past some of the city’s most storied landmarks\, including City Hall\, Sacred Heart Church\, the Floridan Palace Hotel\, and The Hub\, Tampa’s oldest bar. Along the route\, your guide will share the stories that connect these sites to the city’s vibrant past. \nThe tour lasts 90 minutes\, begins at 10 a.m.\, and is limited to 25 guests for a more personal experience. The route covers about one mile along sidewalks and brick streets\, so comfortable shoes and outdoor attire are recommended. \nYour starting point is Lykes Gaslight Park at 400 N. Franklin St.\, right in the center of downtown. Street parking is available nearby\, making it easy to begin your journey. Advance tickets are required\, and private tours can be booked by calling (813) 228-0097. \nGroup size is small and tickets go fast. Reserve your spot today and experience downtown Tampa through the lens of history. Looking for other tours? Visit our walking tour page.  \nTOUR TICKETS
URL:https://tampabayhistorycenter.org/event/walking-tour-downtown-tampa-2/
LOCATION:Lykes Gaslight Square Park\, 400 N Franklin St\, Tampa\, FL\, 33602\, United States
CATEGORIES:Tours
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://tampabayhistorycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Downtown-Tampa-Walking-Tour.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260413T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260413T140000
DTSTAMP:20260223T163624Z
CREATED:20260206T214400Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260223T163624Z
UID:10004077-1776081600-1776088800@tampabayhistorycenter.org
SUMMARY:History & Cigar Cruise
DESCRIPTION:Set sail aboard Craft’s History & Cigar Cruise to celebrate the 140th anniversary of the first cigar rolled in Ybor City. This special edition cruise brings Tampa’s cigar story to life through narration by historian Rodney Kite-Powell and insights from Drew Newman\, fourth-generation cigar maker and general counsel for J.C. Newman Cigar Company. Together\, they’ll share how a single industry transformed a quiet Gulf Coast town into one of Florida’s most distinctive communities.  Aboard America’s first open-kitchen river cruiser\, guests will enjoy a chef-crafted brunch prepared fresh in view of the dining room using state-of-the-art gas cooking equipment. As the captain guides the vessel under Tampa’s historic bridges—sometimes with only inches to spare—Rodney will weave stories of Ybor’s cigar rollers\, factory life\, and the city’s rise as “Cigar City.”  Blending food\, history\, and waterfront views\, the cruise offers a one-of-a-kind way to experience Tampa’s past. Whether you’ve called the Bay home for years or are discovering it for the first time\, this journey promises an afternoon filled with flavor\, storytelling\, and a few surprises along the way.  \nReserve your seat now for a Crafted History Lunch Cruise that promises to be as enriching as it is enjoyable. \nBOOK NOW \nHistory & Cigar Cruise Details: \n\nMonday\, April 13\, 2026\nBoards 11:15 a.m.\, Cruises Noon – 2:00 p.m.\nUnparalleled views of scenic waterways and passage beneath low bridges\nIncludes brunch entrée\, dessert & soda\, coffee and tea\nNarration from Rodney Kite-Powell\, Tampa Bay History Center\nGuest appearance from Drew Newman\nComplimentary J.C. Newman Cigar (smoking is only allowed on the outside decks. No smoking inside the dining room.)\n\nAppetizers & craft cocktails are also available for purchase. Gratuity is not included in the ticket price. \nReservations are non-refundable and non-transferable.
URL:https://tampabayhistorycenter.org/event/craft-history-lunch-cruise-3/
LOCATION:CRAFT\, 603 Channelside Drive\, Tampa\, FL\, 33602\, United States
CATEGORIES:Special Events,Talks,Tours
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://tampabayhistorycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Hitory-Cigar-Cruise-20260413.png
ORGANIZER;CN="CRAFT":MAILTO:info@tampabayhistorycenter.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260530T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260530T113000
DTSTAMP:20260515T184849Z
CREATED:20260514T214453Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260515T184849Z
UID:10004470-1780135200-1780140600@tampabayhistorycenter.org
SUMMARY:Ybor City Walking Tour
DESCRIPTION:Ybor City began as a cigar-manufacturing town and grew into one of Tampa’s most distinctive historic districts. On this guided walking tour\, guests will hear how cigar makers\, factory workers\, immigrant families\, business owners\, and social clubs helped shape the neighborhood that became known around the world for hand-rolled cigars. \nLed by a History Center-trained docent\, the 90-minute tour explores Ybor City’s brick streets\, landmark buildings\, and 7th Avenue corridor while connecting the neighborhood’s cigar industry to the people and places that shaped daily life in Ybor City. Along the way\, guests will learn why Ybor City developed its own identity within Tampa and why so many of its historic buildings remain important today. \nThe tour begins at a new location: Parque Amigos de José Martí\, or Friends of José Martí Park\, 1303 E. Eighth Ave.\, Tampa\, FL 33605. Participants will walk approximately one mile along public sidewalks and brick streets. Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended. Guests may also want to bring bottled water. \nAdvance tickets are required\, and space is limited to 25 guests. History Center members save 20% on walking tour tickets by signing in before checkout. \nGET WALKING TOUR TICKETS \n  \nBest parking option\n \nUse the Fernando Noriega Jr. Parking Garage\, 2010 N. 13th St.\, Tampa\, FL 33605. Access is available from E. Eighth Ave. or E. Ninth Ave. Click here for the full list of parking garages and lots owned by the City of Tampa.
URL:https://tampabayhistorycenter.org/event/ybor-city-walking-tour-23/
LOCATION:Parque Amigos de José Martí (Friends of José Martí Park)\, 1303 E 8th Ave\, Tampa\, 33605\, United States
CATEGORIES:Tours
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://tampabayhistorycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/IMG_0151-scaled.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Tampa Bay History Center":MAILTO:info@tampabayhistorycenter.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260912T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260912T113000
DTSTAMP:20260810T140628Z
CREATED:20260807T125724Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260810T140628Z
UID:10004486-1789207200-1789212600@tampabayhistorycenter.org
SUMMARY:College Hill Black History Walking Tour
DESCRIPTION:Walk through East Tampa with Fred Hearns\, curator of Black history at the Tampa Bay History Center and Tampa’s Black History Museum\, and hear the stories of the people who built College Hill. \nDuring this 90-minute guided tour\, Hearns shares the history of one of Tampa’s oldest Black communities. In the late 1800s\, Black families began purchasing lots in the area after being promised that a college for Black students would be built nearby. The college never opened\, but the community continued to grow. By the late 1920s\, more than 5\,000 Black residents called College Hill home. \nTour stops include the C. Blythe Andrews Jr. Public Library\, home to the Florida Sentinel Bulletin special collection; Belmont Heights Estates; Memorial Park Cemetery\, established in 1923 and the final resting place of many of Tampa’s Black leaders; and Belmont Heights Little League\, where future Major League Baseball stars Dwight “Doc” Gooden and Gary Sheffield learned to play. \nThe quarter-mile (eight city blocks) tour follows public sidewalks and brick streets. Tours are limited to 25 people\, allowing time for questions and conversation along the way. Guests should wear comfortable shoes and clothing suitable for walking outdoors. Bottled water is also recommended. \nThis tour begins at 10 a.m. on Saturday\, Sept. 12\, 2026\, from the C. Blythe Andrews Jr. Public Library (2607 E. Dr. MLK\, Jr. Blvd.\, Tampa\, Florida 33610) and does not depart from the Tampa Bay History Center. Please check your eTicket confirmation email for updates. \nGET TICKETS \nAdvance tickets are required. History Center members save 20% on walking tours and should log in before purchasing to apply the discount. \nJoin Now and Save 20%
URL:https://tampabayhistorycenter.org/event/college-hill-black-history-walking-tour-2/
LOCATION:C. Blythe Andrews Jr. Public Library\, 2607 E Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd\, Tampa\, FL\, 33610\, United States
CATEGORIES:Tours
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://tampabayhistorycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/TBHC-CollegeHill-WT_1920x1080_4387-1.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Tampa Bay History Center":MAILTO:info@tampabayhistorycenter.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260919T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260919T113000
DTSTAMP:20260810T134432Z
CREATED:20260716T172036Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260810T134432Z
UID:10004482-1789812000-1789817400@tampabayhistorycenter.org
SUMMARY:Ybor City Walking Tour
DESCRIPTION:Explore Ybor City with Evangeline “Van” Linkous\, Ph.D.\, AICP\, a History Center-trained guide and USF professor who teaches urban planning history. Her courses examine industrialization\, mutual aid societies\, highway development\, suburbanization and downtown revitalization\, all central to Ybor City’s development.  \nDuring this 90-minute tour\, Van connects her academic expertise with the cigar factories\, social clubs\, brick streets and landmark buildings along the route. Guests will learn how Ybor developed as a central hub of the United States’ cigar industry and how it emerged as a rare multi-ethnic and multi-racial industrial community in the Deep South in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Van also provides her urban planning expertise to share the story of Ybor’s post-war transformations and the processes shaping Ybor today. \nLocal guests learn how major developments in American urban history unfolded close to home. Visitors from outside Tampa will gain a clear understanding of how Ybor became one of the city’s most distinctive historic districts. \nThe tour begins at a new location: Parque Amigos de José Martí\, or Friends of José Martí Park\, 1303 E. Eighth Ave.\, Tampa\, FL 33605. Participants will walk approximately one mile along public sidewalks and brick streets. Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended. Guests may also want to bring bottled water. \nAdvance tickets are required\, and space is limited to 25 guests. History Center members save 20% on walking tour tickets by signing in before checkout. \nGET TICKETS \nBest parking option\n \nUse the Fernando Noriega Jr. Parking Garage\, 2010 N. 13th St.\, Tampa\, FL 33605. Access is available from E. Eighth Ave. or E. Ninth Ave. Click here for the full list of parking garages and lots owned by the City of Tampa.
URL:https://tampabayhistorycenter.org/event/ybor-city-walking-tour-24/
LOCATION:Parque Amigos de José Martí (Friends of José Martí Park)\, 1303 E 8th Ave\, Tampa\, 33605\, United States
CATEGORIES:Tours
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://tampabayhistorycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Ybor-City-Walking-Tour-Family_photo-by-Pedro-Castellano-scaled.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Tampa Bay History Center":MAILTO:info@tampabayhistorycenter.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261010T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261010T113000
DTSTAMP:20260810T171234Z
CREATED:20260807T181956Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260810T171234Z
UID:10004616-1791626400-1791631800@tampabayhistorycenter.org
SUMMARY:Downtown Tampa Walking Tour
DESCRIPTION:Explore downtown Tampa with T.J. Chaltry\, a History Center-trained guide and longtime Tampa resident whose passion for local history began with a visit to the Tampa Bay History Center. That experience inspired years of independent research into the people\, places and events that shaped the city. For more than five years\, T.J. has shared that knowledge with walking tour guests\, transforming familiar streets and buildings into compelling connections to Tampa’s past. \nDuring this 90-minute tour\, T.J. leads guests past landmarks including Old City Hall\, Sacred Heart Catholic Church\, the Floridan Palace Hotel and The Hub\, Tampa’s oldest bar. Along the route\, guests will explore the architecture\, industries\, political conflicts and communities that contributed to downtown Tampa’s development. \nThe tour begins at Lykes Gaslight Park\, 400 N. Franklin St.\, Tampa\, FL 33602. Participants will walk approximately one mile along public sidewalks and brick streets. Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended. Guests may also want to bring bottled water. \nGet Tickets \nAdvance tickets are required\, and space is limited to 25 guests. History Center members save 20% on walking tour tickets by signing in before checkout. \nJoin Now and Save 20 %
URL:https://tampabayhistorycenter.org/event/downtown-tampa-walking-tour-17/
LOCATION:Lykes Gaslight Square Park\, 400 N Franklin St\, Tampa\, FL\, 33602\, United States
CATEGORIES:Tours
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://tampabayhistorycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Walking-Tour-Downtown-Sacred-Heart-1920x1080-002.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Tampa Bay History Center":MAILTO:info@tampabayhistorycenter.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261031T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261031T113000
DTSTAMP:20260810T184547Z
CREATED:20260807T160647Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260810T184547Z
UID:10004614-1793440800-1793446200@tampabayhistorycenter.org
SUMMARY:Oaklawn Cemetery Walking Tour
DESCRIPTION:Explore Oaklawn Cemetery with Fred Hearns\, one of Tampa Bay’s foremost historians and the Tampa Bay History Center’s first curator of Black history. A longtime community leader\, Hearns has spent decades researching and preserving the stories of Tampa’s people and neighborhoods. \nDuring this 90-minute tour\, Hearns guides guests through Oaklawn Cemetery\, Tampa’s oldest public burial ground. Established in 1850 as a burial place for “white and slave\, rich and poor\,” Oaklawn reflects the social\, political and cultural history of Tampa’s earliest years. \nGuests will encounter the graves of 13 Tampa mayors\, a Florida governor\, enslaved people\, individuals associated with piracy\, cigar industry leader Vicente Martinez-Ybor and more than 200 Native Americans. The cemetery also contains two mass burial sites\, contributing to its solemn and complex history. \nHearns connects these burial sites to the broader development of Tampa\, drawing upon his knowledge of African American history\, civil rights and the communities that helped shape the city. His work emphasizes that Black history is inseparable from Tampa’s history\, bringing greater recognition to people whose experiences and contributions have often been overlooked. \nHeld on Halloween morning\, the tour offers an atmospheric opportunity to explore one of Tampa’s most intriguing historic landmarks. Although Oaklawn is often associated with local legends and mystery\, the tour centers on documented history and the lives of the people buried there. \nThe tour begins at the south entrance of Oaklawn Cemetery\, 606 E. Harrison St.\, Tampa\, FL 33602\, between Morgan and Jefferson streets. Guests will stop at notable sites throughout the cemetery while walking along its shaded paths. Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended. Guests may also want to bring bottled water. \nGET TICKETS \nAdvance tickets are required\, and space is limited to 25 guests. History Center members save 20% on walking tour tickets by signing in before checkout. \nJoin Now and Save 20 %
URL:https://tampabayhistorycenter.org/event/oaklawn-cemetery-walking-tour-3/
LOCATION:502 E Harrison St\, Tampa\, FL 33602\, 502 E Harrison St\, Tampa\, FL\, 33602\, United States
CATEGORIES:Tours
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://tampabayhistorycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Oaklawn-Cemetery_1920x1080_MG_3148-1.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Tampa Bay History Center":MAILTO:info@tampabayhistorycenter.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261111T111500
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261111T140000
DTSTAMP:20260810T154620Z
CREATED:20260807T194703Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260810T154620Z
UID:10004618-1794395700-1794405600@tampabayhistorycenter.org
SUMMARY:Crafted History Lunch Cruise
DESCRIPTION:Explore Tampa’s military history from the water during Craft’s history lunch cruise\, narrated by Florida historian Rodney Kite-Powell.\nThe journey begins with Fort Brooke and the early Village of Tampa\, then follows the city’s growth through Henry Plant’s railroad era and the development of Hillsborough County. Along the way\, Kite-Powell will share stories of the Civil War’s Battle of Fort Brooke and Battle of Ballast Point\, the transformation of MacDill Field into MacDill Air Force Base\, and the SS American Victory\, which served during World War II\, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. It is a look at how military service\, conflict and change helped shape Tampa. \nCraft’s Executive Chef has freshly prepared a delectable menu\, in America’s first open kitchen concept with gas cooking equipment on a river cruiser. The cruise will feature Rodney’s Tampa history narration as the Captain navigates beneath the many low bridges with inches to spare\, you will experience the best views our city has to offer! Whether you’re a lifelong resident or a first-time visitor\, this journey offers an unforgettable experience that blends history\, culture\, and cuisine in an unparalleled setting. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore the Hillsborough River in partnership with the Tampa Bay History Center. \nBook your tickets now for a Crafted History Lunch Cruise that promises to be as enriching as it is enjoyable. \nGET TICKETS \nCrafted History Brunch Cruise Details: \n\nWednesday\, November 11\, 2026\nBoards 11:15 AM\, Cruises Noon – 2:00 PM\nUnparalleled views of scenic waterways and passage beneath low bridges\nIncludes brunch entrée\, dessert & soda\, coffee and tea\nNarration from Rodney Kite-Powell\, Tampa Bay History Center\n\nAppetizers & craft cocktails are also available for purchase. Gratuity is not included in the ticket price. \nReservations are non-refundable and non-transferable.
URL:https://tampabayhistorycenter.org/event/crafted-history-lunch-cruise-3/
LOCATION:CRAFT\, 603 Channelside Drive\, Tampa\, FL\, 33602\, United States
CATEGORIES:Special Events,Tours
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://tampabayhistorycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/craft-exterior-harbor-island-lighthouse-e1786036188249.webp
ORGANIZER;CN="CRAFT":MAILTO:info@tampabayhistorycenter.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261121T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261121T113000
DTSTAMP:20260810T134113Z
CREATED:20260716T172040Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260810T134113Z
UID:10004483-1795255200-1795260600@tampabayhistorycenter.org
SUMMARY:Ybor City Walking Tour
DESCRIPTION:Explore Ybor City with Evangeline “Van” Linkous\, Ph.D.\, AICP\, a History Center-trained guide and USF professor who teaches urban planning history. Her courses examine industrialization\, mutual aid societies\, highway development\, suburbanization and downtown revitalization\, all central to Ybor City’s development.  \nDuring this 90-minute tour\, Van connects her academic expertise with the cigar factories\, social clubs\, brick streets and landmark buildings along the route. Guests will learn how Ybor developed as a central hub of the United States’ cigar industry and how it emerged as a rare multi-ethnic and multi-racial industrial community in the Deep South in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Van also provides her urban planning expertise to share the story of Ybor’s post-war transformations and the processes shaping Ybor today. \nLocal guests learn how major developments in American urban history unfolded close to home. Visitors from outside Tampa will gain a clear understanding of how Ybor became one of the city’s most distinctive historic districts. \nThe tour begins at a new location: Parque Amigos de José Martí\, or Friends of José Martí Park\, 1303 E. Eighth Ave.\, Tampa\, FL 33605. Participants will walk approximately one mile along public sidewalks and brick streets. Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended. Guests may also want to bring bottled water. \nAdvance tickets are required\, and space is limited to 25 guests. History Center members save 20% on walking tour tickets by signing in before checkout. \nGET TICKETS \nBest parking option\n \nUse the Fernando Noriega Jr. Parking Garage\, 2010 N. 13th St.\, Tampa\, FL 33605. Access is available from E. Eighth Ave. or E. Ninth Ave. Click here for the full list of parking garages and lots owned by the City of Tampa.
URL:https://tampabayhistorycenter.org/event/ybor-city-walking-tour-25/
LOCATION:Parque Amigos de José Martí (Friends of José Martí Park)\, 1303 E 8th Ave\, Tampa\, 33605\, United States
CATEGORIES:Tours
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://tampabayhistorycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/1920-x-1080-px-87.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Tampa Bay History Center":MAILTO:info@tampabayhistorycenter.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261128T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261128T113000
DTSTAMP:20260810T190548Z
CREATED:20260807T204133Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260810T190548Z
UID:10004619-1795860000-1795865400@tampabayhistorycenter.org
SUMMARY:West Tampa Black History Walking Tour
DESCRIPTION:Explore West Tampa with Fred Hearns\, one of Tampa Bay’s foremost historians and the Tampa Bay History Center’s first curator of Black history. A longtime journalist\, community leader and former City of Tampa human rights director\, Hearns has spent decades researching and preserving the stories of Tampa’s Black residents\, neighborhoods and institutions. \nDuring this 90-minute tour\, Hearns guides guests through significant sites connected to West Tampa’s Black history. The route includes the former site of J. W. Roberts City\, West Tampa’s first brick cigar factory; the University of Tampa’s I. W. Phillips Field football stadium; Clara Frye Memorial Hospital\, which provided medical care to Black patients during segregation; Tampa’s first public housing development; and the childhood homes of prominent figures in Hillsborough County’s Black community. \nLocal guests will gain a deeper understanding of a neighborhood whose history is often overlooked. Visitors from outside Tampa will discover how West Tampa’s cigar industry\, community institutions and Black residents contributed to the development of the wider Tampa Bay region. \nThe tour meets inside Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park. Look for the Bob Buckhorn River Center\, 402 N. Laurel St.\, Tampa\, FL 33607\, and meet your guide at the flagpole. \nParticipants will walk approximately eight blocks along public sidewalks. Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended. Guests may also want to bring bottled water. \n\n\n\n\n\nGET TICKETS \nAdvance tickets are required\, and space is limited to 25 guests. History Center members save 20% on walking tour tickets by signing in before checkout. \nJoin Now and Save 20 %
URL:https://tampabayhistorycenter.org/event/west-tampa-black-history-walking-tour-nov2026/
LOCATION:Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park\, 1001 N Blvd\, Tampa\, FL\, 33607\, United States
CATEGORIES:Tours
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://tampabayhistorycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Walking-Tour-West-Tampa-Ripple-Gates_1920x1080.webp
ORGANIZER;CN="Tampa Bay History Center":MAILTO:info@tampabayhistorycenter.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261212T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261212T113000
DTSTAMP:20260921T202853Z
CREATED:20260807T183450Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260921T202853Z
UID:10004617-1797069600-1797075000@tampabayhistorycenter.org
SUMMARY:Downtown Tampa Walking Tour
DESCRIPTION:Explore downtown Tampa with T.J. Chaltry\, a History Center-trained guide and longtime Tampa resident whose passion for local history began with a visit to the Tampa Bay History Center. That experience inspired years of independent research into the people\, places and events that shaped the city. For more than five years\, T.J. has shared that knowledge with walking tour guests\, transforming familiar streets and buildings into compelling connections to Tampa’s past. \nDuring this 90-minute tour\, T.J. leads guests past landmarks including Old City Hall\, Sacred Heart Catholic Church\, the Floridan Palace Hotel and The Hub\, Tampa’s oldest bar. Along the route\, guests will explore the architecture\, industries\, political conflicts and communities that contributed to downtown Tampa’s development. \nThe tour begins at Lykes Gaslight Park\, 400 N. Franklin St.\, Tampa\, FL 33602. Participants will walk approximately one mile along public sidewalks and brick streets. Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended. Guests may also want to bring bottled water. \nGet Tickets \nAdvance tickets are required. History Center members save 20% on walking tours and should log in before purchasing to apply the discount. \nJoin Now and Save 20 %
URL:https://tampabayhistorycenter.org/event/downtown-tampa-walking-tour-18/
LOCATION:Lykes Gaslight Square Park\, 400 N Franklin St\, Tampa\, FL\, 33602\, United States
CATEGORIES:Tours
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://tampabayhistorycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Walking-Tour-Downtown-Sacred-Heart-1920x1080-002.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Tampa Bay History Center":MAILTO:info@tampabayhistorycenter.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261219T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261219T113000
DTSTAMP:20260921T202839Z
CREATED:20260811T171522Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260921T202839Z
UID:10004621-1797674400-1797679800@tampabayhistorycenter.org
SUMMARY:Historic Central Avenue Walking Tour
DESCRIPTION:Explore Tampa’s historic Central Avenue district with Fred Hearns\, one of Tampa Bay’s foremost historians and the Tampa Bay History Center’s first curator of Black history. A longtime journalist\, community leader and former City of Tampa human rights director\, Hearns has spent decades researching and preserving the stories of Tampa’s Black residents\, neighborhoods and institutions. \nDuring this 90-minute tour\, Hearns guides guests through the ENCORE! neighborhood and surrounding historic sites connected to Central Avenue\, once the center of Black business\, culture and community life in Tampa. Historically known as “the Scrub\,” the area was home to generations of residents\, entrepreneurs\, civic leaders and entertainers from the 1890s through the 1960s. Guests will discover Central Avenue’s musical legacy and the people\, businesses and gathering places that shaped African American life during segregation. \nThe route continues through Perry Harvey Sr. Park\, where public art and historical markers commemorate Central Avenue’s former businesses\, music venues and community leaders. \nThe tour begins at Tampa’s Black History Museum\, 1213 N. Central Ave.\, Tampa\, FL 33602. Participants will walk seven blocks along public sidewalks and brick streets and through Perry Harvey Sr. Park. Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended. Guests may also want to bring bottled water. \nGET TICKETS \nAdvance tickets are required\, and space is limited to 25 guests. History Center members save 20% on walking tour tickets by signing in before checkout. \nJoin Now and Save 20 %
URL:https://tampabayhistorycenter.org/event/historic-central-avenue-walking-tour/
LOCATION:Tampa’s Black History Museum\, 1213 N Central Ave\, Tampa\, FL\, 33602\, United States
CATEGORIES:Tours
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://tampabayhistorycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Walking-Tour-Central-Leaders-Row-1920x10800-002-1.webp
ORGANIZER;CN="Tampa Bay History Center":MAILTO:info@tampabayhistorycenter.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20270116T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20270116T113000
DTSTAMP:20260810T140618Z
CREATED:20260807T131412Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260810T140618Z
UID:10004485-1800093600-1800099000@tampabayhistorycenter.org
SUMMARY:College Hill Black History Walking Tour
DESCRIPTION:Walk through East Tampa with Fred Hearns\, curator of Black history at the Tampa Bay History Center and Tampa’s Black History Museum\, and hear the stories of the people who built College Hill. \nDuring this 90-minute guided tour\, Hearns shares the history of one of Tampa’s oldest Black communities. In the late 1800s\, Black families began purchasing lots in the area after being promised that a college for Black students would be built nearby. The college never opened\, but the community continued to grow. By the late 1920s\, more than 5\,000 Black residents called College Hill home. \nTour stops include the C. Blythe Andrews Jr. Public Library\, home to the Florida Sentinel Bulletin special collection; Belmont Heights Estates; Memorial Park Cemetery\, established in 1923 and the final resting place of many of Tampa’s Black leaders; and Belmont Heights Little League\, where future Major League Baseball stars Dwight “Doc” Gooden and Gary Sheffield learned to play. \nThe quarter-mile (eight city blocks) tour follows public sidewalks and brick streets. Tours are limited to 25 people\, allowing time for questions and conversation along the way. Guests should wear comfortable shoes and clothing suitable for walking outdoors. Bottled water is also recommended. \nThis tour begins at 10 a.m. on Saturday\, Jan. 16\, 2027\, from the C. Blythe Andrews Jr. Public Library (2607 E. Dr. MLK\, Jr. Blvd.\, Tampa\, Florida 33610) and does not depart from the Tampa Bay History Center. Please check your eTicket confirmation email for updates. \n\nGET TICKETS \nAdvance tickets are required. History Center members save 20% on walking tours and should log in before purchasing to apply the discount. \nJoin Now and Save 20 %
URL:https://tampabayhistorycenter.org/event/college-hill-black-history-walking-tour-3/
LOCATION:C. Blythe Andrews Jr. Public Library\, 2607 E Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd\, Tampa\, FL\, 33610\, United States
CATEGORIES:Tours
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://tampabayhistorycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/TBHC-CollegeHill-WT_1920x1080_4387-1.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Tampa Bay History Center":MAILTO:info@tampabayhistorycenter.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20270213T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20270213T113000
DTSTAMP:20260921T202829Z
CREATED:20260807T165211Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260921T202829Z
UID:10004615-1802512800-1802518200@tampabayhistorycenter.org
SUMMARY:Oaklawn Cemetery Walking Tour
DESCRIPTION:Explore Oaklawn Cemetery with Fred Hearns\, one of Tampa Bay’s foremost historians and the Tampa Bay History Center’s first curator of Black history. A longtime journalist\, community leader and former City of Tampa human rights director\, Hearns has spent decades researching and preserving the stories of Tampa’s people and neighborhoods. \nDuring this 90-minute tour\, Hearns guides guests through Oaklawn Cemetery\, Tampa’s oldest public burial ground. Established in 1850 as a burial place for “white and slave\, rich and poor\,” Oaklawn reflects the social\, political and cultural history of Tampa’s earliest years. \nGuests will encounter the graves of 13 Tampa mayors\, a Florida governor\, enslaved people\, individuals connected to Tampa’s stories of piracy\, cigar industry leader Vicente Martinez-Ybor and more than 200 Native Americans. The cemetery also contains two mass burial sites that reveal additional dimensions of the city’s solemn and complex past. \nHearns connects these burial places to the broader development of Tampa\, drawing upon his extensive knowledge of African American history\, civil rights and the communities that shaped the city. His work brings greater recognition to people whose experiences and contributions have often been overlooked while demonstrating how Black history remains inseparable from Tampa’s history. \nLocal guests will gain a deeper understanding of the people and events that shaped the city they know today. Visitors from outside Tampa will discover how one historic cemetery preserves stories spanning race\, politics\, industry\, immigration and community life. \nThe tour begins at the south entrance of Oaklawn Cemetery\, 606 E. Harrison St.\, Tampa\, FL 33602\, between Morgan and Jefferson streets. Guests will stop at notable sites while walking along the cemetery’s shaded paths. Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended. Guests may also want to bring bottled water. \nGet Tickets \nAdvance tickets are required. History Center members save 20% on walking tours and should log in before purchasing to apply the discount. \nJoin Now and Save 20 %
URL:https://tampabayhistorycenter.org/event/oaklawn-cemetery-walking-tour-4/
LOCATION:502 E Harrison St\, Tampa\, FL 33602\, 502 E Harrison St\, Tampa\, FL\, 33602\, United States
CATEGORIES:Tours
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://tampabayhistorycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Oaklawn-Cemetery_1920x1080_MG_3148-1.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Tampa Bay History Center":MAILTO:info@tampabayhistorycenter.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20270313T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20270313T113000
DTSTAMP:20260921T202815Z
CREATED:20260807T204542Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260921T202815Z
UID:10004620-1804932000-1804937400@tampabayhistorycenter.org
SUMMARY:West Tampa Black History Walking Tour
DESCRIPTION:Explore West Tampa with Fred Hearns\, one of Tampa Bay’s foremost historians and the Tampa Bay History Center’s first curator of Black history. A longtime journalist\, community leader and former City of Tampa human rights director\, Hearns has spent decades researching and preserving the stories of Tampa’s Black residents\, neighborhoods and institutions. \nDuring this 90-minute tour\, Hearns guides guests through significant sites connected to West Tampa’s Black history. The route includes the former site of J. W. Roberts City\, West Tampa’s first brick cigar factory; the University of Tampa’s I. W. Phillips Field football stadium; Clara Frye Memorial Hospital\, which provided medical care to Black patients during segregation; Tampa’s first public housing development; and the childhood homes of prominent figures in Hillsborough County’s Black community. \nLocal guests will gain a deeper understanding of a neighborhood whose history is often overlooked. Visitors from outside Tampa will discover how West Tampa’s cigar industry\, community institutions and Black residents contributed to the development of the wider Tampa Bay region. \nThe tour meets inside Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park. Look for the Bob Buckhorn River Center\, 402 N. Laurel St.\, Tampa\, FL 33607\, and meet your guide at the flagpole. Participants will walk approximately eight blocks along public sidewalks. Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended. Guests may also want to bring bottled water. \n\n\n\n\nGET TICKETS \nAdvance tickets are required\, and space is limited to 25 guests. History Center members save 20% on walking tour tickets by signing in before checkout. \nJoin Now and Save 20 %
URL:https://tampabayhistorycenter.org/event/west-tampa-black-history-walking-tour-march2027/
LOCATION:Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park\, 1001 N Blvd\, Tampa\, FL\, 33607\, United States
CATEGORIES:Tours
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://tampabayhistorycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Walking-Tour-West-Tampa-Ripple-Gates_1920x1080.webp
ORGANIZER;CN="Tampa Bay History Center":MAILTO:info@tampabayhistorycenter.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20270410T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20270410T113000
DTSTAMP:20260921T202730Z
CREATED:20260811T173523Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260921T202730Z
UID:10004622-1807351200-1807356600@tampabayhistorycenter.org
SUMMARY:Historic Central Avenue Walking Tour
DESCRIPTION:Explore Tampa’s historic Central Avenue district with Fred Hearns\, one of Tampa Bay’s foremost historians and the Tampa Bay History Center’s first curator of Black history. A longtime journalist\, community leader and former City of Tampa human rights director\, Hearns has spent decades researching and preserving the stories of Tampa’s Black residents\, neighborhoods and institutions. \nDuring this 90-minute tour\, Hearns guides guests through the ENCORE! neighborhood and surrounding historic sites connected to Central Avenue\, once the center of Black business\, culture and community life in Tampa. Historically known as “the Scrub\,” the area was home to generations of residents\, entrepreneurs\, civic leaders and entertainers from the 1890s through the 1960s. Guests will discover Central Avenue’s musical legacy and the people\, businesses and gathering places that shaped African American life during segregation. \nThe route continues through Perry Harvey Sr. Park\, where public art and historical markers commemorate Central Avenue’s former businesses\, music venues and community leaders. \nThe tour begins at Tampa’s Black History Museum\, 1213 N. Central Ave.\, Tampa\, FL 33602. Participants will walk seven blocks along public sidewalks and brick streets and through Perry Harvey Sr. Park. Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended. Guests may also want to bring bottled water. \nGET TICKETS \nAdvance tickets are required\, and space is limited to 25 guests. History Center members save 20% on walking tour tickets by signing in before checkout. \nJoin Now and Save 20 %
URL:https://tampabayhistorycenter.org/event/8518/
LOCATION:Tampa’s Black History Museum\, 1213 N Central Ave\, Tampa\, FL\, 33602\, United States
CATEGORIES:Tours
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://tampabayhistorycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Walking-Tour-Central-Leaders-Row-1920x10800-002-1.webp
ORGANIZER;CN="Tampa Bay History Center":MAILTO:info@tampabayhistorycenter.org
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR