Tampa Bay History Center

10/17/2026

Costumes on. Halloween plans made.

Bring the kids to “A Night at the Museum” on Saturday, Oct. 24, at the Tampa Bay History Center. Fill their afternoon with trick-or-treating, costumed characters, crafts and games, all in one place.

Choose the entry time that works for your family, then get ready for Halloween fun on every floor.

The event runs from 2 to 6:30 p.m., with the last entry at 5 p.m. Tickets are $20. Members save 15%.

Choose your entry time when you follow the link to snag your ticket.

For 15 years, A Night at the Museum has brought the community together for a family-friendly Halloween celebration at the Tampa Bay History Center. Join us on Saturday, October 24, …

10/15/2026

Today marks the centennial of Tampa Theatre, which opened its doors in 1926. The historic landmark is a beloved and ornate movie palace designed to elevate the moviegoing experience and turn film viewing into a grand production.

Constructed in the early 20th century, the theater has remained a fixture of downtown Tampa through a century of urban change, as both the film industry and the ways audiences consume entertainment have changed over time.

Over the decades, Tampa Theatre has undergone periods of restoration and preservation while expanding beyond its original role as a movie palace to accommodate a broader range of cultural and community activities.

Today, Tampa Theatre operates as a nonprofit cultural institution and entertainment venue. In addition to showing films, it presents concerts, live performances, special events and educational programs, continuing its role as a gathering place for the Tampa community.

Happy 100th birthday, Tampa Theatre

(Interior of Tampa Theatre, circa 1935. Photograph courtesy of the Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library System.)

10/14/2026

10/10/2026

In honor of National Handbag Day on October 10, we’re showcasing a customized piece from the Tampa Bay History Center Collection!

This one-of-a-kind box purse reflects a major cultural trend of the 1970s.

During the decade, the Arts and Crafts movement experienced a resurgence, while economic hardships following the 1973 gas shortage encouraged people to find creative, affordable ways to make and personalize their belongings.

Growing environmental awareness, symbolized by the first Earth Day on April 22, 1970, along with the counterculture movement’s rejection of mass consumerism, helped fuel the popularity of DIY crafts.

Box purses were part of this handmade aesthetic. Wooden handbags were produced by designers such as Enid Collins, but many were also made or customized by hobbyists.

This purse has a special Tampa connection. It was hand-customized for a Tampa woman who lived on Davis Island. The design features members of her family, her family home, and various organizations.

This purse is a snapshot of one Tampa woman’s life and the spirit of the 1970s. Today, these box purses are considered pieces of folk art.

10/08/2026

Are there spirits in Downtown Tampa?👻

When October comes around old stories about historic buildings begin to resurface.

Explore the facts versus the fiction we love to wonder about in this article about three Tampa landmarks.

10/07/2026

Johnny Weissmuller’s Tarzan films helped turn the character into a major movie franchise, with 12 films released between 1932 and 1948. The fourth installment, “Tarzan’s Secret Treasure,” brought the production to Florida, where scenes were filmed at Wakulla Springs in 1941.

The production is one example of the state’s role in the development of American film history.

Discover more stories like this in our latest exhibit, “Cinema in the Sunshine State.”

Photograph, Tarzan star Johnny Weissmuller and film crew on location at Wakulla Springs, Florida, 1941. Courtesy of the State Archives of Florida.

10/03/2026

Long before refrigeration became commonplace, Floridians relied on methods like pickling, canning and preserving to make seasonal foods last longer.

Participants got hands-on with that history during this morning’s pickling workshop.

So, what’s going in your jar first: cucumbers, okra, peppers or something else? 🥒

10/03/2026

On "Florida Matters Live & Local," Rodney Kite-Powell with the Tampa Bay History Center discussed "Cinema in the Sunshine State" and how the visitors can learn more about Florida's legacy in the film industry.

Read more: https://www.wusf.org/arts-culture/2026-10-02/learn-more-about-florida-film-industry-exhibit-tampa-bay-history-center

10/01/2026

Join us for our October book club discussion of “Brawler” by Lauren Groff on Thursday, Oct. 15.

This month, Sharon Masturzo will serve as the reviewer for the discussion, giving readers a chance to dig into Groff’s work and hear another perspective on the story.

📅 Thursday, Oct. 15
🕥 10:30–11:30 a.m.
📍 Tampa Bay History Center or Zoom
🎟️ Free with registration

Grab a cup of coffee, bring your copy of “Brawler” and join us for the conversation. Whether you’re returning for another season or joining us for the first time, everyone is welcome!