Join us Friday, August 7, as the Museum of History celebrates the 70th Anniversary of Elvis Presley’s first appearance in St. Petersburg!

Award-winning journalist and author historian Bob Kealing will present the riveting story of Elvis Presley’s rise to fame in Florida – including that fateful 1956 performance at the Florida Theatre in downtown St. Pete.

Kealing will discuss his book, Elvis Ignited! Which provides a road map to Elvis’s time in the Sunshine State. From 1955 when Elvis was an unknown, to 1956 when he played more concerts in Florida than in any other state in the Union – including three sold sold-out shows in the Sunshine City. In only fifteen months, Presley toured Florida four times, becoming the object of worship, scorn, and controversy.

Struck by a new kind of music and performances so different from anything they had known before, Floridians saw how special Elvis was before the rest of the world caught on. Before their very eyes, he transformed from Hillbilly Cat to the King of Rock and Roll.

Doors: 6:00 p.m.  |  Program: 6:30-8:00 p.m.

Register Now