For schools, homeschoolers, summer camps, after school programs, scout groups, college classes and more.  Book a Field Trip!

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

In-Person Tours

Young historians will experience:

• A 1 ½ hour docent-led tour of the Museum (14 original guest and public rooms of the Tampa Bay Hotel) and the former Hotel Music Room, grand Salon and Dining Room (now part of The University of Tampa).
• 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.  See a clip of the theater performance here.  

 

Logistics

• Tours are appropriate for grades 3-12*
• Groups are limited to 8-48 including teacher and chaperone
• Cost is $3 per student, teachers are complimentary, chaperones are $10

• Click here to book your field trip

• 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 isn’t 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 us at 813.258.7301 to make your reservation with two weeks notice.  Available January - October.

Virtual Tours - Coming soon!

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

Cost is $100 for a maximum of 180 students and will include up to 30-minutes virtual interaction with Curator / Educator at tour conclusion.  Teacher will confirm time of the student tour with the Museum.  Educator interaction time may be scheduled at time of booking or whenever convenient following the tour.
Common use items from the 1890s will be displayed by the educator to inspire questions and curiosity from the students.
Virtual tours of 50 students or more, a live streamed theater performance that explains the social customs surrounding Victorian dress will be included. (may be viewed at any time post tour)

See a clip of the theater performance here.  

 

Please contact Yvonne McDonald at 813.258.7301 or email ymcdonald@ut.edu to make your reservation with two weeks notice.  Available January - December.

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

 

Book a Field Trip!