Tampa Bay History Center: an interactive stroll through the area's past

By Times Staff Writer
In print: Thu Jan 15 00:00:00 EST 2009

MARILYN MICHAELS | Special to the Times

Curators and officials are working furiously to put the finishing touches on the Tampa Bay History Center, a $52-million facility that promises an interactive stroll through time.

Visitors can design their own citrus labels and cattle brands, walk through a reconstructed turn-of-the-century cigar store, join in a cattle drive by climbing into spring-loaded saddle seats and try their hand at Seminole weaving and fabric arts.

The center, which has been in the works since 1986, will celebrate its grand opening Saturday at 801 St. Pete Times Forum Drive in Tampa. Events outside the museum are free and include live music, the official ribbon cutting, flamenco dancers and more. Inside, included with regular admission, will be cigar-rolling and sponge-cutting demonstrations and historical re-enactors, from members of the Negro Baseball League to the Rough Riders.

Admission is $12 for adults ($10 for ages 65 and older), $7 for children ages 4 to 12, and free for 3 and younger. Groups of 10 or more qualify for discounts. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily (closed Thanksgiving and Christmas). (813) 228-0097; tampabayhistorycenter.org.

Times staff writer