We all know that St. Pete is in the process of building a new and improved Pier but did you know that we’re also getting a new and improved history museum? That’s right—when the pier opens for business in 2020, the St. Petersburg Museum of History will be showing off a new look that will feature expanded services and changing exhibits designed to entertain and inform both tourists and townies. Despite the chaos that currently surrounds the museum, the future of St. Pete’s history has never looked brighter!
Rising From Muddy Waters
Nearly one hundred years ago, the newly founded St. Petersburg Historical Society was gifted a hurricane-flooded aquarium building located on the Municipal Pier approach and the St. Petersburg Museum of History was born. It was Pinellas County’s first history museum and Florida’s third oldest. From that muddy beginning, the museum’s collections steadily expanded. In 1954, a new building was constructed to accommodate this growth. Over the decades, the museum has added a second floor and an additional gallery to keep pace with its needs. 65 years later, it was clear that the time had come for some big changes. The opportunity to meet that challenge arrived with the St. Pete Pier Project.
Making Lemonade Out of a Muddy Mess of Lemons (Again)
Despite the Pier construction disruption, the St. Petersburg Museum of History (SPMOH) remains open for business (with discounted admission rates). Admittedly, it’s surrounded by a bit of a mess; the loud equipment, closed roads, and muddy grounds can be a bit off-putting, but they’re still sharing St. Pete history from their prime waterfront location. Luckily for our city, instead of just enduring the mess until the Pier is completed, the SPMOH decided to grab the bull (or in this case, the two-headed calf) by the horns and charge forward with a bold plan. This plan will ensure that, with continued support from the city and YOU, the St. Petersburg Museum of History will emerge from the mess better than ever!
Growing to Better to Serve the Community
By the time all three phases of work are complete, the museum will be 8000 square feet larger and the existing building will have been extensively renovated. The ground floor of the new addition will welcome visitors to the St. Pete Pier with a brand-new Pinellas County Visitor Center and Gift Shop. Plans for interactive kiosks and activities as well as a retail wonderland of everything Florida will provide entertainment and information to the millions that visit downtown St. Pete every year. The newly expanded building will also house two separate venues for community use. The new ground floor conference room will be a shared resource between the museum and local non-profit and civic organizations. Plus, if you make your way to the rooftop, you’ll find 3500 square feet of terrace space perfect for both meetings and special events.
But What About the History?
Don’t worry! The museum hasn’t forgot its primary mission! Head to the second floor of the expansion to experience the new 4000 square-foot main gallery where the museum’s newly designed “Exploring Florida” exhibit will be featured. This exhibit will showcase Florida’s unique on Pinellas County and St. Petersburg. Planned with both education and FUN in mind, the exhibit will wend its way through the region’s history using a wide variety of shifting artifacts and changing digital story boards to entertain visitors while they learn. The existing building also will be updated so that it can serve as a premier venue for hosting major traveling exhibits, including the upcoming Treasures of Lincoln Castle and Cathedral, direct from Lincolnshire, England. For those of you familiar with museum, be assured the revamped building will still showcase the world’s “largest collection of baseballs” as well as the city’s “oldest resident” mummy and the much-loved two-headed calf (among other Florida “oddities”).
This is YOUR History!
Bottom line, the SPMOH has been the steward of St. Pete’s history for nearly 100 years. From the birth of commercial aviation and the rise of “America’s pastime” to the evolution of the city’s Pier and beyond, the SPMOH has been telling St. Pete’s story. Now they need your help. The City of St. Petersburg has committed significant funds to the project and the museum is applying for several state and county grants, but donations are necessary to insure a successful outcome. This autumn, the SPMOH will host an event as an official kick-off for their development campaign but you don’t have to wait till then. Visit the museum. Become a member. Choose the museum for your next donation. Tell a friend. Get the word out.
St. Pete History IS cool!
For more information visit www.spmoh.com/membershipsupport/donate/
Hello Tina,
I am so impressed that you walked away from your wonderful position as a history professor to come to our beautiful city! And in addition to that, working with Green Bench monthly. I’m certain you are an added blessing to both Green Bench and those of us who love and appreciate it!
Thank you!