If you think Tampa does not have a rich history, think again. The Tampa Bay History Center is full of interesting facts and exhibits that showcase the region’s long historical journey to the metropolitan place it is today. In recognition of its success educating visitors on the history of Tampa and West Central Florida, the History Center became a Smithsonian Affiliate in 2011. Only 12 other museums in Florida have the Smithsonian affiliation.
To celebrate, the
Tampa Bay History Center will be participating in Smithsonian Day on Sept. 24
th. As part of the celebration, the museum will offer free admission to guests.
“We will be offering free admission to the museum on Smithsonian Day,” says Manny Leto, director of marketing for the Tampa Bay History Center. “Guests do need to go to
Smithsonian's website to print out a voucher for their ticket prior to arriving at the center on the 24th. ”
Leto suggests guests who visit the museum set aside at least two hours to explore the center.
“We have three floors of exhibition space and three interactive theaters,” Leto says. “Our tagline is 'exactly what you didn’t expect' because people are always pleasantly surprised by how much history is in the area.”
In addition to a variety of exhibits, the museum features a kid-friendly interactive area, the
Columbia Restaurant Cafe and a research center. The Tampa Bay History Center at 801 Old Water Street is next to the St. Pete Times Forum in downtown Tampa. The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Writer:
Kimberly Patterson
Source: Manny Leto, Tampa Bay History Center
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