BEGIN:VCALENDAR
VERSION:2.0
PRODID:-//Tampa Bay History Center - ECPv6.17.3//NONSGML v1.0//EN
CALSCALE:GREGORIAN
METHOD:PUBLISH
X-WR-CALNAME:Tampa Bay History Center
X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://tampabayhistorycenter.org
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Tampa Bay History Center
REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H
X-Robots-Tag:noindex
X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H
BEGIN:VTIMEZONE
TZID:America/New_York
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0400
TZNAME:EDT
DTSTART:20250309T070000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0400
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:EST
DTSTART:20251102T060000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0400
TZNAME:EDT
DTSTART:20260308T070000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0400
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:EST
DTSTART:20261101T060000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0400
TZNAME:EDT
DTSTART:20270314T070000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0400
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:EST
DTSTART:20271107T060000
END:STANDARD
END:VTIMEZONE
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260101T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260101T142000
DTSTAMP:20251209T164211Z
CREATED:20251209T163717Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251209T164211Z
UID:10002838-1767276000-1767277200@tampabayhistorycenter.org
SUMMARY:Cigar City: Bringing Industry to Tampa
DESCRIPTION:Smoke. Style. Stories. Explore Tampa’s historic cigar industry\, where skilled artisans crafted hand-rolled cigars in bustling factories\, shaping the city’s cultural identity and earning it the nickname “Cigar City.” \nEnjoy Cigar City: Bringing Industry to Tampa\, a 20-minute tour\, every Thursday at 2 p.m. \nADMISSION TICKETS
URL:https://tampabayhistorycenter.org/event/cigar-city-bringing-industry-to-tampa-3/
LOCATION:Tampa Bay History Center\, 801 Water Street\, Tampa\, FL\, 33602\, United States
CATEGORIES:Gallery Tours
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://tampabayhistorycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Cigar-City-at-the-Tampa-Bay-History-Center.webp
ORGANIZER;CN="Tampa Bay History Center":MAILTO:info@tampabayhistorycenter.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260102T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260102T143000
DTSTAMP:20260731T184429Z
CREATED:20250526T134740Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260731T184429Z
UID:10002690-1767362400-1767364200@tampabayhistorycenter.org
SUMMARY:Every Map Tells a Story
DESCRIPTION:Join docent Jim Dinsmore for a 30-minute guided tour at the gallery entrance on the second floor and learn how maps document the people\, movement and conflicts that shaped Florida. Jim connects individual maps on topics such as Indigenous communities\, European explorers\, settlers\, U.S. troops and Seminoles\, showing how geography influenced encounters\, transportation routes and the growth of communities across the state. \nOn this gallery tour\, Jim discusses concepts such as Indigenous groups and foreign explorers\, competition for territory during the 1800s and the military roads that connected Florida communities. \nJim previously worked in communications for local nonprofits. After moving to Tampa and spending time at the History Center\, he developed a broader understanding of Florida history and an appreciation for maps as more than tools for finding a route. His tour presents them as graphic records of how people moved across the land\, interacted and shaped the places Floridians know today. \nAbout gallery tours\nDuring docent-led gallery tours\, guests view artifacts\, maps\, photographs and other historical materials from the History Center’s collections while hearing accurate\, well-researched stories about the people\, events and communities that shaped Tampa Bay. \nEach tour centers on specific objects and displays\, specifically maps for this series of gallery tours. The docent explains what these materials document\, connects them to broader historical events and answers visitor questions. For first-time visitors\, a gallery tour provides a focused introduction to the History Center’s collections and the major themes presented throughout the galleries. Tours are included with admission. \nGET TICKETS
URL:https://tampabayhistorycenter.org/event/every-map-tells-a-story/2026-01-02/
LOCATION:Tampa Bay History Center\, 801 Water Street\, Tampa\, FL\, 33602\, United States
CATEGORIES:Gallery Tours
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://tampabayhistorycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/IMG_4686-scaled.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Tampa Bay History Center":MAILTO:info@tampabayhistorycenter.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260107T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260107T120000
DTSTAMP:20251106T182833Z
CREATED:20250930T204705Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251106T182833Z
UID:10003756-1767780000-1767787200@tampabayhistorycenter.org
SUMMARY:OLLI-USF: The Lure of Florida Fishing
DESCRIPTION:This class explores the rich history of Florida fishing\, from its rise as a tourist attraction in the late 1800s to the growth of sportfishing clubs and tournaments in the early 20th century. Learners will trace how Florida’s abundant waters and legendary game fish shaped its identity\, with an optional visit to the exhibit showcasing the state’s enduring fish culture – including historic fishing maps by Rube Allyn. \nThe course will be held on January 7\, 2026. The fee for both dates is $45\, which includes museum admission prior to each session. \nREGISTER ONLINE    COURSE CATALOG \nThe Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at USF (OLLI-USF) is a member-based learning community for adults aged 50+. It offers classes\, workshops\, lectures\, events\, and social networking. OLLI provides high-quality\, low-cost learning opportunities for seasoned adults across West Central Florida. \nThe History Center is offering two courses this fall. Course registration is conducted through the USF OLLI website. History Center members can have their OLLI-USF member fee (not the course fee) waived by calling Charisse Dixon at (813) 974-5848.
URL:https://tampabayhistorycenter.org/event/olli-usf-the-lure-of-florida-fishing/
LOCATION:
CATEGORIES:Online
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://tampabayhistorycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/TBHC-LoFF_0657_001_Sparkman-Tarpon.webp
ORGANIZER;CN="Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at USF (OLLI-USF)":MAILTO:OLLIRegistration@usf.edu
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260108T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260108T142000
DTSTAMP:20260727T205417Z
CREATED:20250623T182751Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260727T205417Z
UID:10002839-1767880800-1767882000@tampabayhistorycenter.org
SUMMARY:Cigar City: Bringing Industry to Tampa
DESCRIPTION:Join docent Amy Tyrrell for a 20-minute guided walkthrough of Cigar City and discover how Tampa became one of the world’s leading cigar manufacturing centers. Amy connects Henry B. Plant’s transportation network with Vicente Martinez Ybor’s cigar factories\, revealing how industry and immigration transformed a small Florida community into the city of Tampa. \nExplore maps\, photographs and historical artifacts while learning about Ybor City’s immigrant communities\, mutual aid societies and connections to the Cuban War of Independence. Discover why Tampa’s historic cigars were called clear Havana cigars\, how lectors shaped daily life inside the factories and how the cigar industry influenced Tampa’s development and identity. \nAmy has served as a docent at the Ybor City Museum State Park for five years and works part-time at the Henry B. Plant Museum. Her experience with both institutions provides visitors with a distinct perspective on the relationship among Plant’s transportation system\, Ybor’s cigar industry and Tampa’s growth. \nAbout gallery tours\nDocent-led gallery tours invite guests to examine artifacts\, maps\, photographs and other historical materials from the History Center’s collections while hearing accurate\, well-researched accounts of the people\, events and industries that shaped Tampa Bay. \nDuring each 20-minute tour\, an experienced docent interprets selected artifacts and displays\, explains what they reveal about the past and answers visitor questions. For first-time visitors\, a gallery tour provides a focused introduction to the History Center’s collections and a strong starting point for exploring the galleries. Tours are included with admission. \nADMISSION TICKETS
URL:https://tampabayhistorycenter.org/event/cigar-city-bringing-industry-to-tampa/2026-01-08/
LOCATION:Tampa Bay History Center\, 801 Water Street\, Tampa\, FL\, 33602\, United States
CATEGORIES:Gallery Tours
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://tampabayhistorycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Cigar-City-at-the-Tampa-Bay-History-Center.webp
ORGANIZER;CN="Tampa Bay History Center":MAILTO:info@tampabayhistorycenter.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260109T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260109T143000
DTSTAMP:20260731T184429Z
CREATED:20250526T134740Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260731T184429Z
UID:10002691-1767967200-1767969000@tampabayhistorycenter.org
SUMMARY:Every Map Tells a Story
DESCRIPTION:Join docent Jim Dinsmore for a 30-minute guided tour at the gallery entrance on the second floor and learn how maps document the people\, movement and conflicts that shaped Florida. Jim connects individual maps on topics such as Indigenous communities\, European explorers\, settlers\, U.S. troops and Seminoles\, showing how geography influenced encounters\, transportation routes and the growth of communities across the state. \nOn this gallery tour\, Jim discusses concepts such as Indigenous groups and foreign explorers\, competition for territory during the 1800s and the military roads that connected Florida communities. \nJim previously worked in communications for local nonprofits. After moving to Tampa and spending time at the History Center\, he developed a broader understanding of Florida history and an appreciation for maps as more than tools for finding a route. His tour presents them as graphic records of how people moved across the land\, interacted and shaped the places Floridians know today. \nAbout gallery tours\nDuring docent-led gallery tours\, guests view artifacts\, maps\, photographs and other historical materials from the History Center’s collections while hearing accurate\, well-researched stories about the people\, events and communities that shaped Tampa Bay. \nEach tour centers on specific objects and displays\, specifically maps for this series of gallery tours. The docent explains what these materials document\, connects them to broader historical events and answers visitor questions. For first-time visitors\, a gallery tour provides a focused introduction to the History Center’s collections and the major themes presented throughout the galleries. Tours are included with admission. \nGET TICKETS
URL:https://tampabayhistorycenter.org/event/every-map-tells-a-story/2026-01-09/
LOCATION:Tampa Bay History Center\, 801 Water Street\, Tampa\, FL\, 33602\, United States
CATEGORIES:Gallery Tours
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://tampabayhistorycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/IMG_4686-scaled.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Tampa Bay History Center":MAILTO:info@tampabayhistorycenter.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260110T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260110T113000
DTSTAMP:20260107T225810Z
CREATED:20250926T143155Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260107T225810Z
UID:10003744-1768039200-1768044600@tampabayhistorycenter.org
SUMMARY:Walking Tour: Ybor City
DESCRIPTION:Walk the brick streets of Ybor City\, where the scent of cigars still lingers in the air and factory whistles once marked the rhythm of daily life. On this guided tour\, you’ll pass mutual aid societies\, the Ybor Cigar Factory\, and other landmarks that shaped the neighborhood’s culture. Your guide will share stories of the people who built this community and the traditions that made Ybor a cornerstone of Tampa’s history. \nThe 90-minute tour begins at 10 a.m. and covers about a mile along sidewalks and brick avenues. Space is limited to 25 participants\, so wear comfortable shoes and be ready to explore. \nReserve your ticket now and experience Ybor City through the streets and buildings that still carry its history. Tours begin at Centro Ybor\, 1600 E. 7th Ave.\, in front of Jimmy John’s. Parking is available on nearby streets and in the Palm Avenue/Fernando Noriega Jr. parking garage. Advance purchase is required\, and private tours are available by calling (813) 228-0097. Spots are limited\, so get your tickets today before they sell out. Visit our walking tour page to see our other upcoming experiences.\nTOUR TICKETS
URL:https://tampabayhistorycenter.org/event/walking-tour-ybor-city-3/
LOCATION:The Cuban Club\, 2010 N Avenida Republica de Cuba\, Tampa\, FL\, 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:20260115T103000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260115T113000
DTSTAMP:20251103T162640Z
CREATED:20250905T153047Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251103T162640Z
UID:10003731-1768473000-1768476600@tampabayhistorycenter.org
SUMMARY:Book Club: "Florida Palms: A Novel" by Joe Pan
DESCRIPTION:Join the Tampa Bay History Center’s Book Club on Thursday\, January 15\, 2026\, for the first session of the new year. \nThis free program will run from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the History Center\, with an option to participate via Zoom. January’s featured book is Florida Palms: A Novel by Joe Pan\, reviewed by Patty and Jerry Lyons. Copies are available for purchase in the Museum Store or can be borrowed from the Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library. \nThe Book Group offers a welcoming space to discover Florida’s voices in literature. Each month highlights a different perspective\, spanning fiction\, history\, poetry\, politics\, and food writing. Everyone is invited to join the discussion. \nAttend in person \nAttend Online
URL:https://tampabayhistorycenter.org/event/book-club-florida-palms-a-novel-by-joe-pan/
LOCATION:Tampa Bay History Center\, 801 Water Street\, Tampa\, FL\, 33602\, United States
CATEGORIES:Online
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://tampabayhistorycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Untitled-1920-x-1080-px-11.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Tampa Bay History Center":MAILTO:info@tampabayhistorycenter.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260115T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260115T142000
DTSTAMP:20260727T205417Z
CREATED:20250623T182751Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260727T205417Z
UID:10002840-1768485600-1768486800@tampabayhistorycenter.org
SUMMARY:Cigar City: Bringing Industry to Tampa
DESCRIPTION:Join docent Amy Tyrrell for a 20-minute guided walkthrough of Cigar City and discover how Tampa became one of the world’s leading cigar manufacturing centers. Amy connects Henry B. Plant’s transportation network with Vicente Martinez Ybor’s cigar factories\, revealing how industry and immigration transformed a small Florida community into the city of Tampa. \nExplore maps\, photographs and historical artifacts while learning about Ybor City’s immigrant communities\, mutual aid societies and connections to the Cuban War of Independence. Discover why Tampa’s historic cigars were called clear Havana cigars\, how lectors shaped daily life inside the factories and how the cigar industry influenced Tampa’s development and identity. \nAmy has served as a docent at the Ybor City Museum State Park for five years and works part-time at the Henry B. Plant Museum. Her experience with both institutions provides visitors with a distinct perspective on the relationship among Plant’s transportation system\, Ybor’s cigar industry and Tampa’s growth. \nAbout gallery tours\nDocent-led gallery tours invite guests to examine artifacts\, maps\, photographs and other historical materials from the History Center’s collections while hearing accurate\, well-researched accounts of the people\, events and industries that shaped Tampa Bay. \nDuring each 20-minute tour\, an experienced docent interprets selected artifacts and displays\, explains what they reveal about the past and answers visitor questions. For first-time visitors\, a gallery tour provides a focused introduction to the History Center’s collections and a strong starting point for exploring the galleries. Tours are included with admission. \nADMISSION TICKETS
URL:https://tampabayhistorycenter.org/event/cigar-city-bringing-industry-to-tampa/2026-01-15/
LOCATION:Tampa Bay History Center\, 801 Water Street\, Tampa\, FL\, 33602\, United States
CATEGORIES:Gallery Tours
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://tampabayhistorycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Cigar-City-at-the-Tampa-Bay-History-Center.webp
ORGANIZER;CN="Tampa Bay History Center":MAILTO:info@tampabayhistorycenter.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260116T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260116T143000
DTSTAMP:20260731T184429Z
CREATED:20250526T134740Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260731T184429Z
UID:10002692-1768572000-1768573800@tampabayhistorycenter.org
SUMMARY:Every Map Tells a Story
DESCRIPTION:Join docent Jim Dinsmore for a 30-minute guided tour at the gallery entrance on the second floor and learn how maps document the people\, movement and conflicts that shaped Florida. Jim connects individual maps on topics such as Indigenous communities\, European explorers\, settlers\, U.S. troops and Seminoles\, showing how geography influenced encounters\, transportation routes and the growth of communities across the state. \nOn this gallery tour\, Jim discusses concepts such as Indigenous groups and foreign explorers\, competition for territory during the 1800s and the military roads that connected Florida communities. \nJim previously worked in communications for local nonprofits. After moving to Tampa and spending time at the History Center\, he developed a broader understanding of Florida history and an appreciation for maps as more than tools for finding a route. His tour presents them as graphic records of how people moved across the land\, interacted and shaped the places Floridians know today. \nAbout gallery tours\nDuring docent-led gallery tours\, guests view artifacts\, maps\, photographs and other historical materials from the History Center’s collections while hearing accurate\, well-researched stories about the people\, events and communities that shaped Tampa Bay. \nEach tour centers on specific objects and displays\, specifically maps for this series of gallery tours. The docent explains what these materials document\, connects them to broader historical events and answers visitor questions. For first-time visitors\, a gallery tour provides a focused introduction to the History Center’s collections and the major themes presented throughout the galleries. Tours are included with admission. \nGET TICKETS
URL:https://tampabayhistorycenter.org/event/every-map-tells-a-story/2026-01-16/
LOCATION:Tampa Bay History Center\, 801 Water Street\, Tampa\, FL\, 33602\, United States
CATEGORIES:Gallery Tours
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://tampabayhistorycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/IMG_4686-scaled.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Tampa Bay History Center":MAILTO:info@tampabayhistorycenter.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260121T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260121T130000
DTSTAMP:20260120T141524Z
CREATED:20251217T160639Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260120T141524Z
UID:10003772-1768996800-1769000400@tampabayhistorycenter.org
SUMMARY:Florida Conversations: The Nine Principles of Florida-Friendly Landscaping
DESCRIPTION:Join this season’s Florida Conversations to learn more about landscaping in Florida. Explore how the land-grant and Extension system emerged from 19th- and early 20th-century legislation with speaker Michael Masucci\, and how those historical roots continue to shape UF/IFAS Extension’s work in the rapidly growing Tampa Bay region\, including programs serving Hillsborough County today. \nThe program will also examine the nine principles of Florida-Friendly Landscaping™\, a research-based framework that helps homeowners and communities create attractive landscapes that conserve water\, reduce pollution\, and protect Florida’s natural resources. The principles are outlined at the official Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ website\, FloridaFriendlyLandscaping.com (also available at ffl.ifas.ufl.edu). \nFlorida Conversations is free and open to the public. This program is made possible with the support of the USF Foundation\, USF Libraries\, AARP Tampa Bay\, and a generous gift from Shelley Blood. \nAbout the Speaker \nMichael Masucci is a Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ community educator with UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County. He works with homeowner association boards\, community leaders\, and residents to implement research-based practices that conserve water\, reduce pollution\, and support healthy\, resilient Florida landscapes. \nIN-PERSON RSVP ZOOM SIGN-UP
URL:https://tampabayhistorycenter.org/event/florida-conversations-the-nine-principles-of-florida-friendly-landscaping/
LOCATION:Tampa Bay History Center\, 801 Water Street\, Tampa\, FL\, 33602\, United States
CATEGORIES:Talks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://tampabayhistorycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/TBHC-FLCon-Masucci-landscape.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Tampa Bay History Center":MAILTO:info@tampabayhistorycenter.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260122T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260122T140000
DTSTAMP:20251021T190604Z
CREATED:20251003T200059Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251021T190604Z
UID:10003758-1769083200-1769090400@tampabayhistorycenter.org
SUMMARY:Craft: History Lunch Cruise
DESCRIPTION:Set sail aboard Craft’s history lunch cruise featuring narration by one of Florida’s most esteemed historians\, Rodney Kite-Powell. From tales of Henry Plant’s railroad to the evolution of Hillsborough County\, Rodney’s narration promises to be both enlightening & entertaining. Rodney will also highlight a section on Gasparilla to welcome the 2026 Gasparilla season during this cruise. This is more than just a river cruise; it’s a journey through time\, bringing the vibrant history of Tampa Bay to life. \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. \nHistory Lunch Includes:\n\n2-hour Cruise with boarding at 11:15 am\nUnparalleled views of scenic waterways and passage beneath low bridges\nNarration from Rodney Kite-Powell\, Tampa Bay History Center\nIncludes brunch entrée\, dessert & soda\, coffee and tea\nAppetizers & craft cocktails are available for purchase from the Bow & Stern Bar\n\nView Preselected Lunch \nGET TICKETS \nReservations for special events cruises are non-refundable and non-transferable. \nCraft is located at the dock adjacent to Sparkman Wharf: 603 Channelside Drive\, Tampa\, FL 33602. Boarding commences 45 minutes before the scheduled cruise departure time.
URL:https://tampabayhistorycenter.org/event/craft-history-lunch-cruise-2/
LOCATION:CRAFT\, 603 Channelside Drive\, Tampa\, FL\, 33602\, United States
CATEGORIES:Tours
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://tampabayhistorycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Craft_16x19.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="CRAFT":MAILTO:info@tampabayhistorycenter.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260122T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260122T142000
DTSTAMP:20260727T205417Z
CREATED:20250623T182751Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260727T205417Z
UID:10002841-1769090400-1769091600@tampabayhistorycenter.org
SUMMARY:Cigar City: Bringing Industry to Tampa
DESCRIPTION:Join docent Amy Tyrrell for a 20-minute guided walkthrough of Cigar City and discover how Tampa became one of the world’s leading cigar manufacturing centers. Amy connects Henry B. Plant’s transportation network with Vicente Martinez Ybor’s cigar factories\, revealing how industry and immigration transformed a small Florida community into the city of Tampa. \nExplore maps\, photographs and historical artifacts while learning about Ybor City’s immigrant communities\, mutual aid societies and connections to the Cuban War of Independence. Discover why Tampa’s historic cigars were called clear Havana cigars\, how lectors shaped daily life inside the factories and how the cigar industry influenced Tampa’s development and identity. \nAmy has served as a docent at the Ybor City Museum State Park for five years and works part-time at the Henry B. Plant Museum. Her experience with both institutions provides visitors with a distinct perspective on the relationship among Plant’s transportation system\, Ybor’s cigar industry and Tampa’s growth. \nAbout gallery tours\nDocent-led gallery tours invite guests to examine artifacts\, maps\, photographs and other historical materials from the History Center’s collections while hearing accurate\, well-researched accounts of the people\, events and industries that shaped Tampa Bay. \nDuring each 20-minute tour\, an experienced docent interprets selected artifacts and displays\, explains what they reveal about the past and answers visitor questions. For first-time visitors\, a gallery tour provides a focused introduction to the History Center’s collections and a strong starting point for exploring the galleries. Tours are included with admission. \nADMISSION TICKETS
URL:https://tampabayhistorycenter.org/event/cigar-city-bringing-industry-to-tampa/2026-01-22/
LOCATION:Tampa Bay History Center\, 801 Water Street\, Tampa\, FL\, 33602\, United States
CATEGORIES:Gallery Tours
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://tampabayhistorycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Cigar-City-at-the-Tampa-Bay-History-Center.webp
ORGANIZER;CN="Tampa Bay History Center":MAILTO:info@tampabayhistorycenter.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260123T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260123T143000
DTSTAMP:20260731T184429Z
CREATED:20250526T134740Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260731T184429Z
UID:10002693-1769176800-1769178600@tampabayhistorycenter.org
SUMMARY:Every Map Tells a Story
DESCRIPTION:Join docent Jim Dinsmore for a 30-minute guided tour at the gallery entrance on the second floor and learn how maps document the people\, movement and conflicts that shaped Florida. Jim connects individual maps on topics such as Indigenous communities\, European explorers\, settlers\, U.S. troops and Seminoles\, showing how geography influenced encounters\, transportation routes and the growth of communities across the state. \nOn this gallery tour\, Jim discusses concepts such as Indigenous groups and foreign explorers\, competition for territory during the 1800s and the military roads that connected Florida communities. \nJim previously worked in communications for local nonprofits. After moving to Tampa and spending time at the History Center\, he developed a broader understanding of Florida history and an appreciation for maps as more than tools for finding a route. His tour presents them as graphic records of how people moved across the land\, interacted and shaped the places Floridians know today. \nAbout gallery tours\nDuring docent-led gallery tours\, guests view artifacts\, maps\, photographs and other historical materials from the History Center’s collections while hearing accurate\, well-researched stories about the people\, events and communities that shaped Tampa Bay. \nEach tour centers on specific objects and displays\, specifically maps for this series of gallery tours. The docent explains what these materials document\, connects them to broader historical events and answers visitor questions. For first-time visitors\, a gallery tour provides a focused introduction to the History Center’s collections and the major themes presented throughout the galleries. Tours are included with admission. \nGET TICKETS
URL:https://tampabayhistorycenter.org/event/every-map-tells-a-story/2026-01-23/
LOCATION:Tampa Bay History Center\, 801 Water Street\, Tampa\, FL\, 33602\, United States
CATEGORIES:Gallery Tours
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://tampabayhistorycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/IMG_4686-scaled.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Tampa Bay History Center":MAILTO:info@tampabayhistorycenter.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260129T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260129T142000
DTSTAMP:20260727T205417Z
CREATED:20250623T182751Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260727T205417Z
UID:10002842-1769695200-1769696400@tampabayhistorycenter.org
SUMMARY:Cigar City: Bringing Industry to Tampa
DESCRIPTION:Join docent Amy Tyrrell for a 20-minute guided walkthrough of Cigar City and discover how Tampa became one of the world’s leading cigar manufacturing centers. Amy connects Henry B. Plant’s transportation network with Vicente Martinez Ybor’s cigar factories\, revealing how industry and immigration transformed a small Florida community into the city of Tampa. \nExplore maps\, photographs and historical artifacts while learning about Ybor City’s immigrant communities\, mutual aid societies and connections to the Cuban War of Independence. Discover why Tampa’s historic cigars were called clear Havana cigars\, how lectors shaped daily life inside the factories and how the cigar industry influenced Tampa’s development and identity. \nAmy has served as a docent at the Ybor City Museum State Park for five years and works part-time at the Henry B. Plant Museum. Her experience with both institutions provides visitors with a distinct perspective on the relationship among Plant’s transportation system\, Ybor’s cigar industry and Tampa’s growth. \nAbout gallery tours\nDocent-led gallery tours invite guests to examine artifacts\, maps\, photographs and other historical materials from the History Center’s collections while hearing accurate\, well-researched accounts of the people\, events and industries that shaped Tampa Bay. \nDuring each 20-minute tour\, an experienced docent interprets selected artifacts and displays\, explains what they reveal about the past and answers visitor questions. For first-time visitors\, a gallery tour provides a focused introduction to the History Center’s collections and a strong starting point for exploring the galleries. Tours are included with admission. \nADMISSION TICKETS
URL:https://tampabayhistorycenter.org/event/cigar-city-bringing-industry-to-tampa/2026-01-29/
LOCATION:Tampa Bay History Center\, 801 Water Street\, Tampa\, FL\, 33602\, United States
CATEGORIES:Gallery Tours
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://tampabayhistorycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Cigar-City-at-the-Tampa-Bay-History-Center.webp
ORGANIZER;CN="Tampa Bay History Center":MAILTO:info@tampabayhistorycenter.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260130T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260130T143000
DTSTAMP:20260731T184429Z
CREATED:20250526T134740Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260731T184429Z
UID:10002694-1769781600-1769783400@tampabayhistorycenter.org
SUMMARY:Every Map Tells a Story
DESCRIPTION:Join docent Jim Dinsmore for a 30-minute guided tour at the gallery entrance on the second floor and learn how maps document the people\, movement and conflicts that shaped Florida. Jim connects individual maps on topics such as Indigenous communities\, European explorers\, settlers\, U.S. troops and Seminoles\, showing how geography influenced encounters\, transportation routes and the growth of communities across the state. \nOn this gallery tour\, Jim discusses concepts such as Indigenous groups and foreign explorers\, competition for territory during the 1800s and the military roads that connected Florida communities. \nJim previously worked in communications for local nonprofits. After moving to Tampa and spending time at the History Center\, he developed a broader understanding of Florida history and an appreciation for maps as more than tools for finding a route. His tour presents them as graphic records of how people moved across the land\, interacted and shaped the places Floridians know today. \nAbout gallery tours\nDuring docent-led gallery tours\, guests view artifacts\, maps\, photographs and other historical materials from the History Center’s collections while hearing accurate\, well-researched stories about the people\, events and communities that shaped Tampa Bay. \nEach tour centers on specific objects and displays\, specifically maps for this series of gallery tours. The docent explains what these materials document\, connects them to broader historical events and answers visitor questions. For first-time visitors\, a gallery tour provides a focused introduction to the History Center’s collections and the major themes presented throughout the galleries. Tours are included with admission. \nGET TICKETS
URL:https://tampabayhistorycenter.org/event/every-map-tells-a-story/2026-01-30/
LOCATION:Tampa Bay History Center\, 801 Water Street\, Tampa\, FL\, 33602\, United States
CATEGORIES:Gallery Tours
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://tampabayhistorycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/IMG_4686-scaled.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Tampa Bay History Center":MAILTO:info@tampabayhistorycenter.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260131T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260131T113000
DTSTAMP:20251217T130745Z
CREATED:20250926T142901Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251217T130745Z
UID:10003745-1769853600-1769859000@tampabayhistorycenter.org
SUMMARY:Walking Tour: Oaklawn Cemetery
DESCRIPTION:Explore one of Tampa’s most intriguing landmarks on a guided walking tour of Oaklawn Cemetery\, the city’s oldest public burial ground. Established as the final resting place for “white and slave\, rich and poor\,” Oaklawn holds the stories of Tampa’s earliest days.  \nAs you walk shaded paths lined with weathered headstones\, you’ll encounter the graves of 13 mayors\, a Florida governor\, enslaved people\, pirates\, Vicente Martinez-Ybor\, and more than 200 Native Americans. The cemetery also includes two mass burial sites\, adding to its solemn and powerful history. \nThis 90-minute tour begins at 10 a.m. and is limited to 25 participants. Guests will stop at notable sites throughout the cemetery while learning about the people who shaped Tampa’s past. Comfortable shoes and outdoor attire are recommended. \nOaklawn remains one of our most popular tours\, and space fills quickly. Reserve your spot now to experience the history\, legacy\, and quiet intrigue of this remarkable site. \nMeeting Place: South Entrance of Oaklawn Cemetery\, 606 E. Harrison St. (between Morgan St. and Jefferson St.) \nReservations required. Capacity limited. \nTOUR TICKETS
URL:https://tampabayhistorycenter.org/event/walking-tour-oaklawn-cemetery/
LOCATION:Oaklawn Cemetery\, 606 E. Harrison St.\, Tampa\, FL\, 33602\, United States
CATEGORIES:Tours
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://tampabayhistorycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/20240928-Oaklawn-Cemetery-Walking-Tour_1920x1080.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Tampa Bay History Center":MAILTO:info@tampabayhistorycenter.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260205T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260205T142000
DTSTAMP:20260727T205417Z
CREATED:20250623T182751Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260727T205417Z
UID:10002843-1770300000-1770301200@tampabayhistorycenter.org
SUMMARY:Cigar City: Bringing Industry to Tampa
DESCRIPTION:Join docent Amy Tyrrell for a 20-minute guided walkthrough of Cigar City and discover how Tampa became one of the world’s leading cigar manufacturing centers. Amy connects Henry B. Plant’s transportation network with Vicente Martinez Ybor’s cigar factories\, revealing how industry and immigration transformed a small Florida community into the city of Tampa. \nExplore maps\, photographs and historical artifacts while learning about Ybor City’s immigrant communities\, mutual aid societies and connections to the Cuban War of Independence. Discover why Tampa’s historic cigars were called clear Havana cigars\, how lectors shaped daily life inside the factories and how the cigar industry influenced Tampa’s development and identity. \nAmy has served as a docent at the Ybor City Museum State Park for five years and works part-time at the Henry B. Plant Museum. Her experience with both institutions provides visitors with a distinct perspective on the relationship among Plant’s transportation system\, Ybor’s cigar industry and Tampa’s growth. \nAbout gallery tours\nDocent-led gallery tours invite guests to examine artifacts\, maps\, photographs and other historical materials from the History Center’s collections while hearing accurate\, well-researched accounts of the people\, events and industries that shaped Tampa Bay. \nDuring each 20-minute tour\, an experienced docent interprets selected artifacts and displays\, explains what they reveal about the past and answers visitor questions. For first-time visitors\, a gallery tour provides a focused introduction to the History Center’s collections and a strong starting point for exploring the galleries. Tours are included with admission. \nADMISSION TICKETS
URL:https://tampabayhistorycenter.org/event/cigar-city-bringing-industry-to-tampa/2026-02-05/
LOCATION:Tampa Bay History Center\, 801 Water Street\, Tampa\, FL\, 33602\, United States
CATEGORIES:Gallery Tours
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://tampabayhistorycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Cigar-City-at-the-Tampa-Bay-History-Center.webp
ORGANIZER;CN="Tampa Bay History Center":MAILTO:info@tampabayhistorycenter.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260206T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260206T143000
DTSTAMP:20260731T184429Z
CREATED:20250526T134740Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260731T184429Z
UID:10002695-1770386400-1770388200@tampabayhistorycenter.org
SUMMARY:Every Map Tells a Story
DESCRIPTION:Join docent Jim Dinsmore for a 30-minute guided tour at the gallery entrance on the second floor and learn how maps document the people\, movement and conflicts that shaped Florida. Jim connects individual maps on topics such as Indigenous communities\, European explorers\, settlers\, U.S. troops and Seminoles\, showing how geography influenced encounters\, transportation routes and the growth of communities across the state. \nOn this gallery tour\, Jim discusses concepts such as Indigenous groups and foreign explorers\, competition for territory during the 1800s and the military roads that connected Florida communities. \nJim previously worked in communications for local nonprofits. After moving to Tampa and spending time at the History Center\, he developed a broader understanding of Florida history and an appreciation for maps as more than tools for finding a route. His tour presents them as graphic records of how people moved across the land\, interacted and shaped the places Floridians know today. \nAbout gallery tours\nDuring docent-led gallery tours\, guests view artifacts\, maps\, photographs and other historical materials from the History Center’s collections while hearing accurate\, well-researched stories about the people\, events and communities that shaped Tampa Bay. \nEach tour centers on specific objects and displays\, specifically maps for this series of gallery tours. The docent explains what these materials document\, connects them to broader historical events and answers visitor questions. For first-time visitors\, a gallery tour provides a focused introduction to the History Center’s collections and the major themes presented throughout the galleries. Tours are included with admission. \nGET TICKETS
URL:https://tampabayhistorycenter.org/event/every-map-tells-a-story/2026-02-06/
LOCATION:Tampa Bay History Center\, 801 Water Street\, Tampa\, FL\, 33602\, United States
CATEGORIES:Gallery Tours
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://tampabayhistorycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/IMG_4686-scaled.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Tampa Bay History Center":MAILTO:info@tampabayhistorycenter.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260207T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260207T113000
DTSTAMP:20251104T161635Z
CREATED:20250925T202637Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251104T161635Z
UID:10003746-1770458400-1770463800@tampabayhistorycenter.org
SUMMARY:Walking Tour: Downtown Tampa
DESCRIPTION:Join the Tampa Bay History Center for a February 2026 walking tour that brings the city’s past to life. This guided experience takes you through downtown streets where history\, architecture\, and culture meet. \nAlong the route\, your guide will share stories of Tampa’s civic and cultural landmarks. From City Hall and Sacred Heart Church to the Floridan Palace Hotel and Tampa’s oldest bar\, The Hub\, each stop highlights a piece of the city’s evolving story. \nEach tour lasts 90 minutes and begins at 10 a.m. Limited to 25 participants\, the route covers about one mile along public sidewalks and brick streets. Please wear comfortable walking shoes and attire for the outdoors\, and bring water. \nMeeting Place: Center of Lykes Gaslight Park (400 N. Franklin St.\, Tampa\, FL 33602).Parking: Street parking is available in downtown Tampa. \nReserve Your Spot: Private tours are available by calling (813) 228-0097. \nSee Tampa through a new lens. Reserve your tickets today and explore the stories waiting on every corner.  \nTOUR TICKETS
URL:https://tampabayhistorycenter.org/event/walking-tour-downtown-tampa/
LOCATION:Lykes Gaslight Square Park\, 400 N Franklin St\, Tampa\, FL\, 33602\, United States
CATEGORIES:Tours
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://tampabayhistorycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Walking-Tour-Downtown-Sacred-Heart-1920x1080-002.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Tampa Bay History Center":MAILTO:info@tampabayhistorycenter.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260211T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260211T130000
DTSTAMP:20260120T144350Z
CREATED:20251230T163958Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260120T144350Z
UID:10004052-1770811200-1770814800@tampabayhistorycenter.org
SUMMARY:Florida Conversations: The Heart of the Turf: Racing’s Black Pioneers
DESCRIPTION:Join this season’s Florida Conversations for an exploration of African American history in Thoroughbred racing. This program features Roda Ferraro\, director of the Keeneland Library and curator of The Heart of the Turf: Racing’s Black Pioneers\, a traveling exhibition hosted by the Tampa Bay History Center. \nThrough a talk and audience Q&A\, Ferraro highlights the lives and careers of African American horsemen and women from the mid-1800s to today. From nationally celebrated jockeys and trainers to the skilled caretakers who worked behind the scenes\, the program examines how generations of Black professionals shaped the racing industry across the United States\, often in the face of systemic exclusion. \nFlorida Conversations is free and open to the public. This program is made possible with the support of the USF Foundation\, USF Libraries\, AARP Tampa Bay\, and a generous gift from Shelley Blood. \nFlorida Conversations will be presented in-person\, in TECO Hall at the History Center\, and virtually through Zoom. A recording will be posted on YouTube after the event. \nAbout the Speaker \nRoda Ferraro is director of the Keeneland Library and a curator specializing in the history and culture of Thoroughbred racing. With more than twenty years of experience in library\, museum\, and educational leadership\, her work centers on expanding access to historical collections and amplifying underrepresented narratives within the sport. \nIN-PERSON RSVP ZOOM-SIGN UP
URL:https://tampabayhistorycenter.org/event/florida-conversations-the-heart-of-the-turf-racings-black-pioneers/
LOCATION:Tampa Bay History Center\, 801 Water Street\, Tampa\, FL\, 33602\, United States
CATEGORIES:Talks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://tampabayhistorycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Trainer-James-Rowes-stable-crew-1920-x-1080-px.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Tampa Bay History Center":MAILTO:info@tampabayhistorycenter.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260212T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260212T142000
DTSTAMP:20260727T205417Z
CREATED:20250623T182751Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260727T205417Z
UID:10002844-1770904800-1770906000@tampabayhistorycenter.org
SUMMARY:Cigar City: Bringing Industry to Tampa
DESCRIPTION:Join docent Amy Tyrrell for a 20-minute guided walkthrough of Cigar City and discover how Tampa became one of the world’s leading cigar manufacturing centers. Amy connects Henry B. Plant’s transportation network with Vicente Martinez Ybor’s cigar factories\, revealing how industry and immigration transformed a small Florida community into the city of Tampa. \nExplore maps\, photographs and historical artifacts while learning about Ybor City’s immigrant communities\, mutual aid societies and connections to the Cuban War of Independence. Discover why Tampa’s historic cigars were called clear Havana cigars\, how lectors shaped daily life inside the factories and how the cigar industry influenced Tampa’s development and identity. \nAmy has served as a docent at the Ybor City Museum State Park for five years and works part-time at the Henry B. Plant Museum. Her experience with both institutions provides visitors with a distinct perspective on the relationship among Plant’s transportation system\, Ybor’s cigar industry and Tampa’s growth. \nAbout gallery tours\nDocent-led gallery tours invite guests to examine artifacts\, maps\, photographs and other historical materials from the History Center’s collections while hearing accurate\, well-researched accounts of the people\, events and industries that shaped Tampa Bay. \nDuring each 20-minute tour\, an experienced docent interprets selected artifacts and displays\, explains what they reveal about the past and answers visitor questions. For first-time visitors\, a gallery tour provides a focused introduction to the History Center’s collections and a strong starting point for exploring the galleries. Tours are included with admission. \nADMISSION TICKETS
URL:https://tampabayhistorycenter.org/event/cigar-city-bringing-industry-to-tampa/2026-02-12/
LOCATION:Tampa Bay History Center\, 801 Water Street\, Tampa\, FL\, 33602\, United States
CATEGORIES:Gallery Tours
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://tampabayhistorycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Cigar-City-at-the-Tampa-Bay-History-Center.webp
ORGANIZER;CN="Tampa Bay History Center":MAILTO:info@tampabayhistorycenter.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260213T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260213T143000
DTSTAMP:20260731T184429Z
CREATED:20250526T134740Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260731T184429Z
UID:10002696-1770991200-1770993000@tampabayhistorycenter.org
SUMMARY:Every Map Tells a Story
DESCRIPTION:Join docent Jim Dinsmore for a 30-minute guided tour at the gallery entrance on the second floor and learn how maps document the people\, movement and conflicts that shaped Florida. Jim connects individual maps on topics such as Indigenous communities\, European explorers\, settlers\, U.S. troops and Seminoles\, showing how geography influenced encounters\, transportation routes and the growth of communities across the state. \nOn this gallery tour\, Jim discusses concepts such as Indigenous groups and foreign explorers\, competition for territory during the 1800s and the military roads that connected Florida communities. \nJim previously worked in communications for local nonprofits. After moving to Tampa and spending time at the History Center\, he developed a broader understanding of Florida history and an appreciation for maps as more than tools for finding a route. His tour presents them as graphic records of how people moved across the land\, interacted and shaped the places Floridians know today. \nAbout gallery tours\nDuring docent-led gallery tours\, guests view artifacts\, maps\, photographs and other historical materials from the History Center’s collections while hearing accurate\, well-researched stories about the people\, events and communities that shaped Tampa Bay. \nEach tour centers on specific objects and displays\, specifically maps for this series of gallery tours. The docent explains what these materials document\, connects them to broader historical events and answers visitor questions. For first-time visitors\, a gallery tour provides a focused introduction to the History Center’s collections and the major themes presented throughout the galleries. Tours are included with admission. \nGET TICKETS
URL:https://tampabayhistorycenter.org/event/every-map-tells-a-story/2026-02-13/
LOCATION:Tampa Bay History Center\, 801 Water Street\, Tampa\, FL\, 33602\, United States
CATEGORIES:Gallery Tours
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://tampabayhistorycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/IMG_4686-scaled.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Tampa Bay History Center":MAILTO:info@tampabayhistorycenter.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260219T103000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260219T113000
DTSTAMP:20251103T161230Z
CREATED:20250905T153147Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251103T161230Z
UID:10003732-1771497000-1771500600@tampabayhistorycenter.org
SUMMARY:Book Club: "Welcome to Florida: True Tales from America's Most Interesting State" by Craig Pittman
DESCRIPTION:Join the Tampa Bay History Center’s Book Club on Thursday\, February 19\, 2026\, for a lively conversation on one of Florida’s most colorful storytellers. \nThis free gathering will be held from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the History Center\, with a Zoom option available. February’s title is Welcome to Florida: True Tales from America’s Most Interesting State by Craig Pittman. Copies can be purchased in the Museum Store or borrowed from the Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library. \nEach month\, the Book Club explores a new corner of Florida’s literary landscape\, ranging from history and politics to fiction\, poetry\, and food writing. Everyone is welcome to join the discussion. \nATTEND IN pERSON \nAttend Online
URL:https://tampabayhistorycenter.org/event/book-club-welcome-to-florida-true-tales-from-americas-most-interesting-state-by-craig-pittman/
LOCATION:Tampa Bay History Center\, 801 Water Street\, Tampa\, FL\, 33602\, United States
CATEGORIES:Online
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://tampabayhistorycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/tbhc-share-image.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Tampa Bay History Center":MAILTO:info@tampabayhistorycenter.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260219T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260219T142000
DTSTAMP:20260727T205417Z
CREATED:20250623T182751Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260727T205417Z
UID:10002845-1771509600-1771510800@tampabayhistorycenter.org
SUMMARY:Cigar City: Bringing Industry to Tampa
DESCRIPTION:Join docent Amy Tyrrell for a 20-minute guided walkthrough of Cigar City and discover how Tampa became one of the world’s leading cigar manufacturing centers. Amy connects Henry B. Plant’s transportation network with Vicente Martinez Ybor’s cigar factories\, revealing how industry and immigration transformed a small Florida community into the city of Tampa. \nExplore maps\, photographs and historical artifacts while learning about Ybor City’s immigrant communities\, mutual aid societies and connections to the Cuban War of Independence. Discover why Tampa’s historic cigars were called clear Havana cigars\, how lectors shaped daily life inside the factories and how the cigar industry influenced Tampa’s development and identity. \nAmy has served as a docent at the Ybor City Museum State Park for five years and works part-time at the Henry B. Plant Museum. Her experience with both institutions provides visitors with a distinct perspective on the relationship among Plant’s transportation system\, Ybor’s cigar industry and Tampa’s growth. \nAbout gallery tours\nDocent-led gallery tours invite guests to examine artifacts\, maps\, photographs and other historical materials from the History Center’s collections while hearing accurate\, well-researched accounts of the people\, events and industries that shaped Tampa Bay. \nDuring each 20-minute tour\, an experienced docent interprets selected artifacts and displays\, explains what they reveal about the past and answers visitor questions. For first-time visitors\, a gallery tour provides a focused introduction to the History Center’s collections and a strong starting point for exploring the galleries. Tours are included with admission. \nADMISSION TICKETS
URL:https://tampabayhistorycenter.org/event/cigar-city-bringing-industry-to-tampa/2026-02-19/
LOCATION:Tampa Bay History Center\, 801 Water Street\, Tampa\, FL\, 33602\, United States
CATEGORIES:Gallery Tours
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://tampabayhistorycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Cigar-City-at-the-Tampa-Bay-History-Center.webp
ORGANIZER;CN="Tampa Bay History Center":MAILTO:info@tampabayhistorycenter.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260220T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260220T143000
DTSTAMP:20260731T184429Z
CREATED:20250526T134740Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260731T184429Z
UID:10002697-1771596000-1771597800@tampabayhistorycenter.org
SUMMARY:Every Map Tells a Story
DESCRIPTION:Join docent Jim Dinsmore for a 30-minute guided tour at the gallery entrance on the second floor and learn how maps document the people\, movement and conflicts that shaped Florida. Jim connects individual maps on topics such as Indigenous communities\, European explorers\, settlers\, U.S. troops and Seminoles\, showing how geography influenced encounters\, transportation routes and the growth of communities across the state. \nOn this gallery tour\, Jim discusses concepts such as Indigenous groups and foreign explorers\, competition for territory during the 1800s and the military roads that connected Florida communities. \nJim previously worked in communications for local nonprofits. After moving to Tampa and spending time at the History Center\, he developed a broader understanding of Florida history and an appreciation for maps as more than tools for finding a route. His tour presents them as graphic records of how people moved across the land\, interacted and shaped the places Floridians know today. \nAbout gallery tours\nDuring docent-led gallery tours\, guests view artifacts\, maps\, photographs and other historical materials from the History Center’s collections while hearing accurate\, well-researched stories about the people\, events and communities that shaped Tampa Bay. \nEach tour centers on specific objects and displays\, specifically maps for this series of gallery tours. The docent explains what these materials document\, connects them to broader historical events and answers visitor questions. For first-time visitors\, a gallery tour provides a focused introduction to the History Center’s collections and the major themes presented throughout the galleries. Tours are included with admission. \nGET TICKETS
URL:https://tampabayhistorycenter.org/event/every-map-tells-a-story/2026-02-20/
LOCATION:Tampa Bay History Center\, 801 Water Street\, Tampa\, FL\, 33602\, United States
CATEGORIES:Gallery Tours
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://tampabayhistorycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/IMG_4686-scaled.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Tampa Bay History Center":MAILTO:info@tampabayhistorycenter.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
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:20260223T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260223T184500
DTSTAMP:20260202T201507Z
CREATED:20260202T172017Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260202T201507Z
UID:10004056-1771867800-1771872300@tampabayhistorycenter.org
SUMMARY:Black History Book Club: "The Message" by Ta-Nehisi Coates
DESCRIPTION:We are excited to announce the next season of the Black History Book Club at Tampa’s Black History Museum on Feb. 23\, 2026. \nThis free event begins at 5:30 pm at 1213 N. Central Ave\, at the Black History Museum. The February book for the month is called The Message by Ta-Nehisi Coates. Purchase this book by visiting the Tampa Bay History Center Museum Store or find the title online. \nJoin us for a community discussion on this collection of essays that slips into different cultural experiences\, travels across global locations\, and also addresses historical injustice. The author explores themes of colonialism\, heritage\, beauty standards and the power of the written word. \nRSVP
URL:https://tampabayhistorycenter.org/event/black-history-book-club-the-message-by-ta-nehisi-coates/
LOCATION:Tampa’s Black History Museum\, 1213 N Central Ave\, Tampa\, FL\, 33602\, United States
CATEGORIES:Talks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://tampabayhistorycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/The-Message-Book-Cover_1920x1080.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Tampa Bay History Center":MAILTO:info@tampabayhistorycenter.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260226T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260226T142000
DTSTAMP:20260727T205417Z
CREATED:20250623T182751Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260727T205417Z
UID:10002846-1772114400-1772115600@tampabayhistorycenter.org
SUMMARY:Cigar City: Bringing Industry to Tampa
DESCRIPTION:Join docent Amy Tyrrell for a 20-minute guided walkthrough of Cigar City and discover how Tampa became one of the world’s leading cigar manufacturing centers. Amy connects Henry B. Plant’s transportation network with Vicente Martinez Ybor’s cigar factories\, revealing how industry and immigration transformed a small Florida community into the city of Tampa. \nExplore maps\, photographs and historical artifacts while learning about Ybor City’s immigrant communities\, mutual aid societies and connections to the Cuban War of Independence. Discover why Tampa’s historic cigars were called clear Havana cigars\, how lectors shaped daily life inside the factories and how the cigar industry influenced Tampa’s development and identity. \nAmy has served as a docent at the Ybor City Museum State Park for five years and works part-time at the Henry B. Plant Museum. Her experience with both institutions provides visitors with a distinct perspective on the relationship among Plant’s transportation system\, Ybor’s cigar industry and Tampa’s growth. \nAbout gallery tours\nDocent-led gallery tours invite guests to examine artifacts\, maps\, photographs and other historical materials from the History Center’s collections while hearing accurate\, well-researched accounts of the people\, events and industries that shaped Tampa Bay. \nDuring each 20-minute tour\, an experienced docent interprets selected artifacts and displays\, explains what they reveal about the past and answers visitor questions. For first-time visitors\, a gallery tour provides a focused introduction to the History Center’s collections and a strong starting point for exploring the galleries. Tours are included with admission. \nADMISSION TICKETS
URL:https://tampabayhistorycenter.org/event/cigar-city-bringing-industry-to-tampa/2026-02-26/
LOCATION:Tampa Bay History Center\, 801 Water Street\, Tampa\, FL\, 33602\, United States
CATEGORIES:Gallery Tours
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://tampabayhistorycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Cigar-City-at-the-Tampa-Bay-History-Center.webp
ORGANIZER;CN="Tampa Bay History Center":MAILTO:info@tampabayhistorycenter.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260227T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260227T143000
DTSTAMP:20260731T184429Z
CREATED:20250526T134740Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260731T184429Z
UID:10002698-1772200800-1772202600@tampabayhistorycenter.org
SUMMARY:Every Map Tells a Story
DESCRIPTION:Join docent Jim Dinsmore for a 30-minute guided tour at the gallery entrance on the second floor and learn how maps document the people\, movement and conflicts that shaped Florida. Jim connects individual maps on topics such as Indigenous communities\, European explorers\, settlers\, U.S. troops and Seminoles\, showing how geography influenced encounters\, transportation routes and the growth of communities across the state. \nOn this gallery tour\, Jim discusses concepts such as Indigenous groups and foreign explorers\, competition for territory during the 1800s and the military roads that connected Florida communities. \nJim previously worked in communications for local nonprofits. After moving to Tampa and spending time at the History Center\, he developed a broader understanding of Florida history and an appreciation for maps as more than tools for finding a route. His tour presents them as graphic records of how people moved across the land\, interacted and shaped the places Floridians know today. \nAbout gallery tours\nDuring docent-led gallery tours\, guests view artifacts\, maps\, photographs and other historical materials from the History Center’s collections while hearing accurate\, well-researched stories about the people\, events and communities that shaped Tampa Bay. \nEach tour centers on specific objects and displays\, specifically maps for this series of gallery tours. The docent explains what these materials document\, connects them to broader historical events and answers visitor questions. For first-time visitors\, a gallery tour provides a focused introduction to the History Center’s collections and the major themes presented throughout the galleries. Tours are included with admission. \nGET TICKETS
URL:https://tampabayhistorycenter.org/event/every-map-tells-a-story/2026-02-27/
LOCATION:Tampa Bay History Center\, 801 Water Street\, Tampa\, FL\, 33602\, United States
CATEGORIES:Gallery Tours
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://tampabayhistorycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/IMG_4686-scaled.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Tampa Bay History Center":MAILTO:info@tampabayhistorycenter.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260227T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260227T200000
DTSTAMP:20260225T183450Z
CREATED:20260105T161625Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260225T183450Z
UID:10004053-1772213400-1772222400@tampabayhistorycenter.org
SUMMARY:[SOLD OUT] Fifth Annual Black History Month Reception
DESCRIPTION:Fifty years of celebrating Black History Month (1976-2026)\nJoin us at the Fifth Annual Black History Month Reception on Friday\, Feb. 27\, 2026\, at Tampa’s Black History Museum\, 1213 N. Central Ave.\, Tampa. This year’s reception marks a milestone\, as it is the first time the event will be held at the museum. Doors open at 5 p.m.\, and the evening begins with a reception featuring soul food bites\, refreshments\, and live cultural performances. \nThe program includes performances by the Dundu Dole Urban African Ballet\, spoken word\, and musical entertainment. Guest speaker Jai Hinson will address the audience during the program. The evening will also feature the presentation of the Dr. Bernard LaFayette Jr. Sankofa Award to the Florida Sentinel Bulletin\, which has served the community since 1945. In addition\, the Thurgood Marshall History Award\, a $1\,000 donation\, will be presented to a Hillsborough County public high school recognized for the most outstanding Thurgood Marshall History Club project. \nSOLD OUT \nThe reception is sponsored by the Tampa Housing Authority and presented by the Tampa Bay History Center. Each year\, the event recognizes Black History Month and honors the legacy of Rev. Dr. Bernard LaFayette Jr.\, a Tampa native from Ybor City and board chairman of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. The annual observance traces its roots to 1926\, when Dr. Carter G. Woodson launched Negro History Week\, and to 1976\, when President Gerald Ford formally recognized February as Black History Month. \nComplimentary parking will be available with three options\, including Ray Charles Boulevard and the Tempo and Trio parking garages.
URL:https://tampabayhistorycenter.org/event/fifth-annual-black-history-month-reception/
LOCATION:Tampa’s Black History Museum\, 1213 N Central Ave\, Tampa\, FL\, 33602\, United States
CATEGORIES:Special Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://tampabayhistorycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/5th-Annual-BHMR_1920x1080-V4.webp
ORGANIZER;CN="Tampa's Black History Museum":MAILTO:info@tampabayhistorycenter.org
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR