For schools, homeschoolers, summer camps, after school programs, scout groups, college classes and more.

Young historians will learn about:

• Tampa’s early development during the late 19^th century
• The Gilded Age lifestyle in late 19^th century Florida
• Visionary Henry Plant and the impact of his Plant System of railroads, steamships and hotels in the development of Florida
• The vital role of the Tampa Bay Hotel in the Spanish-American War
• The unique Moorish-Revival architectural style of the Hotel
• Primary sources

Young historians will experience:

• A 1 hour docent-led tour of the Museum that includes 14 original guest and public rooms of the Tampa Bay Hotel.
• Being transported back to the 1890s when the Tampa Bay Hotel was the pinnacle of high fashion and social center for local society and visitors from around the world.

Logistics

• Tours are appropriate for grades 3-12* 
• Tours are available January - November
• Groups are limited to 8-50 including teachers and chaperones can be accommodated with at least two weeks' notice.
• Groups bringing more than 50 attendees require at least one month's notice and may be eligible for a Museum theater performance for no additional charge. See a clip of the theater performance here.
• Cost is $3 per student, teachers are complimentary, chaperones are $10
• View or download the additional resources below as pre-visit or follow up materials
• When booking your visit, please inform us for any necessary special accommodations

*The Museum is not just for 3^rd grade social studies. Many high school, college, and after school programs for history/economics, art, education, decorative arts, Spanish and photography classes have enjoyed visiting the Museum and making cross-discipline connections.
 

Please contact Melissa Sullebarger at 813.258.7304 or email msullebarger@ut.edu to make your reservation with at least two weeks' notice. One month of advance notice is required for groups of over 50 attendees.

Additional resources

• 14-minute film The Tampa Bay Hotel: Florida’s First Magic Kingdom

• Museum Etiquette

• Chronology of Henry Plant and the Plant System

• History of Tampa

• Henry Bradley Plant: A Profile

• City Ties Activity

• Key vocabulary

• What to expect when you visit, a sensory friendly explanation

• School Visit Evaluation form

• Writing a brief reflection paper or letter helps students reinforce content learned during the tour

To book a Field Trip, please contact Melissa Sullebarger, Curator of Education, by email at msullebarger@ut.edu or by phone at 813.258.7304.