Current exhibits
Mapping the American Sea: A Cartographic History of the Gulf of Mexico
AUG. 3, 2024 - DEC. 7, 2025
America’s history has been largely written as an inevitable march from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean, an unstoppable manifest destiny starting with the English colonies of Jamestown and Plymouth, and ending with the California Gold Rush and the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad. This narrative downplays – or outright ignores – the role that the Gulf of Mexico and the states (and countries) bordering it have played throughout the last 500 years. Mapping the American Sea seeks to reset that narrative and place the Gulf States, particularly Florida, along with Mexico and Cuba, in their proper context as crucial players in the history and development of the United States and North America.
The Hernán Cortés letter with accompanying map was purchased through the generosity of Tom Touchton, Nancy and Bob Bolt, and Nell Ward.
The Lure of Florida Fishing
AUG. 23, 2025 - JAN. 11, 2026
From handcrafted lures and vintage photographs to secret fishing maps and legendary catches, The Lure of Florida Fishing explores the stories, people and traditions that made the Sunshine State a world-class angling destination. Discover how tarpon fever, charter boats and celebrity anglers helped shape Florida’s identity and tourism industry in this immersive new exhibit at the Tampa Bay History Center.
AUG. 23, 2025 - JAN. 11, 2026 | Wayne Thomas Gallery
Upcoming exhibits
The Sport of Kings and Queens
JAN. 10 - MAY 17, 2026
Timed to Tampa Bay Downs’ centennial, "The Sport of Kings and Queens" explores the impact of Florida’s thoroughbred industry and Ocala’s rise as the “Horse Capital of the World.” Experience “The Sport of Kings and Queens” in person. Make plans to visit the TECO Learning Center at the Tampa Bay History Center, where the exhibition is on view Jan. 10 through May 17, 2026.
America at the Crossroads
JAN. 31 - MAY 3, 2026
“America at the Crossroads: The GUITAR and a Changing Nation” looks at America’s evolution through the lens of its most popular instrument, an instrument that has been part of the nation’s cultural heritage since its founding. The guitar has served as a symbol of generational differences, racial divide, politics, consumer marketing and fashionable relevance.
Additional support provided by Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa
Permanent exhibits
Touchton Map Library
The Touchton Map Library and Florida Center for Cartographic Education is home to thousands of maps, charts, and other documents dating back from the early European exploration of North America more than 500 years ago up through the early 21st century.
Treasure Seekers
Conquistadors, Pirates, and Shipwrecks: Featuring a 60-foot, 18th-century pirate ship as its centerpiece, this permanent gallery introduces you to the explorers who landed in “La Florida” more than 500 years ago as well as little-known pirates like “Calico” Jack Rackham and Anne Bonny, who prowled Florida’s coasts in the 1700s.
Past exhibits and virtual gallery tours
Founded in 1989 by the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners, the History Center opened its new 60,000-square-foot facility on Water Street in 2009. Since then, we've presented more than 50 exhibitions in the Wayne Thomas Gallery and Saunders Foundation Gallery. Explore the archive and discover past lectures, blog posts, and classroom resources.
