History Starts Here! St. Pete Museum of History to Expand
On Feb. 11, 1922, the St. Petersburg Historical Society proudly opened the doors to the Museum of History, the first museum in Pinellas County. Now 100 years later, the Museum is embarking on an historic expansion – a collision of the artistic and historical worlds on a grand scale. The 10,000 square foot addition to the current facility will play a crucial role in creating a Florida history museum that will become a cultural and historical tourism anchor in Pinellas County.
The Plan
The expansion includes four showpiece elements:
Visit St. Pete/Clearwater Welcome Center
Where St. Petersburg will welcome the world. Over 2-million visitors passed through the St. Pete Pier in its first year, and the Welcome Center will introduce those visitors to museums, restaurants, attractions, and hotels throughout the county. Walking, Segway, trolley, and bicycle tours will also begin here.
Explore Florida! ExhibitThe story of Florida and its spectacular contribution to American history has been largely ignored, but that will change in this interactive, awe-inspiring exhibit. Twelve separate segments of our past will take guests on a 500-year journey through Florida and St. Petersburg history. Designed in conjunction with Florida education guidelines, Explore Florida! will become a living textbook for students of all ages.
The Flight Deck – Rooftop TerracePromising to be the most breathtaking event venue in St. Petersburg, the Flight Deck will offer stunning views of the St. Pete Pier, Tampa Bay and our city’s skyline. The Flight Deck will be available for weddings, corporate parties and private events.
Intersections
Created by renowned artist Ya La’Ford, Intersections is a massive public art piece that will wrap the exterior of the expansion. Ya La’Ford’s inspiration was an 1891 Florida railroad map she discovered in the Museum’s archives. The map illustrated the routes and intersections that delivered Americans back where our country’s history started – Florida. The geometric aluminum sculpture embodies the trial, tribulations and victories that strengthen and honor the rich heritage of the early foundation of Florida and St. Petersburg.
“We have the opportunity to create a premier museum that not only shares the history of the Sunshine City, but also the unique history of the entire state right here in St. Petersburg,” said Executive Director Rui Farias. “Our goal is to create a visitor experience that will educate, entertain and leave our guests wanting to come back for more.”
The Museum’s design and construction will be led by a group of local firms.
ARC 3 Architecture is the design team heading up the expansion project, while Hennessey Construction Services was chosen to build it. Hennessy has a 100-year history in St. Pete building iconic structures such as St. Mary’s Church and Webb’s City. Creative Arts, a museum exhibit design group, will create the magic of the Explore Florida Exhibit!
FundingA public/private endeavor, the goal of the St. Petersburg Museum of History is to raise $9 million to create this world-class history museum in the Sunshine City. The Museum received a $1.25-million commitment from the City of St. Petersburg, was awarded a $2.8-million grant from Pinellas County and is awaiting news on state grants.
The Museum has started a private capital campaign to raise the remaining $5-million.
“I am excited about the reimagined St. Petersburg Museum of History,” said former St. Petersburg Mayor, Rick Kriseman. “The design of the new Museum of History fits in well with our new St. Pete Pier District. I hope everyone in St. Pete will join me in supporting the museum’s goal to reach new heights and become one of America’s finest history museums.”
To get more information on the expansion capital campaign and the legacy program with includes naming rights to galleries and exhibits, please contact:
Rui Farias, Executive Director
Email: Rui@spmoh.org Office: 727-894-1052, Ext. 207