Did you know Henry Plant built Florida's largest railroad network? He transformed Tampa from a sleepy village into an economic powerhouse!
Here is how he did it:
🚂 1879: Purchased the bankrupt Atlanta and Gulf Railroad, then reorganized it and created the Savannah, Florida, and Western Railway.
🚂 1884: Brought the first continuous train service to Tampa
🚂 1886: Launched his famous steamships, S.S. Mascotte and S.S. Olivette that carried people, cargo, and mail between Port Tampa, Key West, and Havana, Cuba. This connection forged an alliance with Cuban to***co and cigarmakers igniting an economic boom for the City of Tampa.
Come explore rare artifacts from the Plant System in the Henry B. Plant Museum’s new permanent installation "Age of Rail and Steam."
Tampa's history begins here: https://www.plantmuseum.com/exhibits/current-exhibits/plant’s-southern-empire
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Peek behind the scenes at the Henry Plant Museum. Travel back in time via historic trivia & etiquette A visit to the Henry B.
When you’re building a railroad to nowhere, how do you make the journey worthwhile? …. If you’re railroad magnate Henry Bradley Plant, in the midst of the sand swamps that would be Tampa, you construct the most astonishingly magnificent hotel of its day, then fill it with treasures from around the world. With its splendid Moorish architecture, opulent furnishings, and spectacular tropical gardens,
05/27/2026
Please join us on Friday, June 5, for free admission and genealogy workshop.
Our Curator of Education will present expert genealogy tips and insights through an in-depth case study of Philomena Oakes, a laundress at the Tampa Bay Hotel.
Whether you're just starting your family history or an advanced genealogist, get answers to your questions.
For more information visit https://www.plantmuseum.com or contact Selena Martinez at 813-258-7304 or [email protected].
🗓️ Friday, June 5
⏰ 4:30 p.m - 7:00 p.m.
📍 Henry B. Plant Museum
Thank you to our friends at FOX 13 News - Tampa Bay for the Bird's eye view of our historic Museum and letting us share a piece of Tampa's history.
05/21/2026
On Thursday, May 21, we are honoring National Red Cross Day with a special $2 admission discount for all registered nurses (with valid identification).
While you’re here, explore the inspiring legacy of nursing and learn more about Clara Barton in our Tampa at War exhibit: https://www.plantmuseum.com/exhibits/current-exhibits/new-permanent-exhibit
From battlefield care to humanitarian impact, discover the story behind one of history’s most influential organizations.
Photo: Sisters Isabelle, Annie, Blanche, and Minnie, from Clara Barton, "The Red Cross" (1898)
Captured in a 1922 Burgert Brothers photo, the magnificent DeSoto Oak stands in Plant Park with the Tampa Bay Hotel in the background.
The grand live oak still thrives as a beautiful focal point on the University of Tampa campus, right across from the Henry B. Plant Museum.
Photo courtesy of the Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library
Tampa's history begins here: https://www.plantmuseum.com
05/18/2026
The Museum is excited to announce we are are once again participating in the 2026 Blue Star Museum program. Starting Armed Forces Day through Labor Day, active-duty military and up to five family members receive FREE admission.
Tampa's history begins here! www.plantmuseum.com
🇺🇸 Thank you for your service! 🇺🇸
From the city seal to the iconic architecture of Plant Hall, Henry B. Plant's legacy is seen everywhere in Tampa.
Museum Director Dr. Charles McGraw Groh shares the story of how Plant’s SS Mascotte became Tampa's iconic symbol.
Discover more in our permanent "Age of Rail & Steam" exhibit:
https://www.plantmuseum.com/exhibits/current-exhibits/plant’s-southern-empire
05/14/2026
We had a wonderful time celebrating our volunteers last night! 🎉🎊
Through your generosity, your time, and your care, you transform our spaces into places of connection, discovery, and belonging.
We are grateful for all that you give!
To learn how to become a volunteer contact Juan Underbakke at [email protected] or 813.258.7301.
https://www.plantmuseum.com/discover/volunteer
There are pieces of history all around us. Today, Dr. Charles McGraw Groh, our Executive Director, is taking us outdoors to where the original Florida State Fairgrounds first began. 🎡
Explore the history of the Florida State Fair and Gasparilla in our new exhibit, "Gaspar's Gold: Carnival and Community in a New South City" running now through Aug. 30, 2026
For more information https://www.plantmuseum.com/exhibits/current-exhibits/gasparilla-a-tampa-tradition
Exhibit Generously Underwritten by:
Miles and Jennifer Callahan
Cogent Bank
Raymond James
The Beck Group
Frank E. Duckwall Foundation
05/09/2026
Take a step back in time and enjoy our weekly Upstairs/Downstairs theatrical series, featuring single character performances that bring turn-of-the century Tampa Bay Hotel staff members and guests to life.
Edith Roosevelt, Guest and First Lady, 1901
🗓️ Sunday, May 10
⏰ 2:00 p.m - 2:30 p.m.
📍 Henry B. Plant Museum
For details https://www.plantmuseum.com/events/programs/upstairs-downstairs-at-the-tampa-bay-hotel
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401 W Kennedy Boulevard
Tampa, FL
33606