Regional Museum in Destination Tampa Bay
The Safety Harbor Museum of Regional History came into existence on June 30, 1965 when a small group of citizens with a strong interest in local history obtained a State charter. Established in 1970 at its present location, the Safety Harbor Museum of Regional History offers the public a rare opportunity to trace the history of Safety Harbor and the surrounding Tampa Bay area from prehistoric to modern times.
In addition to an ongoing program of special exhibits, descriptive dioramas and displays of fossils, projectile points, shell tools, beads and pottery tell the story of Florida's first people and the arrival of Spanish explorers in the 16th century. This Tampa Bay Destination is a treasure trove of history of the region.
The Museum’s Pre-Historic Gallery includes over 12,000 years of history. Exhibits trace Florida’s history from the Paleo Period, with the fossilized remains of mastodon, mammoth, and giant ground sloth, along with tools that the first human inhabitants used to hunt them. An illuminated wall diorama depicts Tocobaga life atop the shell mounds, and an actual Tocobaga burial mound is found on the Museum site.
The Heritage Gallery is dedicated to the area’s pioneers, including Odet Philippe who is considered to be Pinellas County’s first non-native settler and the father of Florida's grapefruit. Photographs, antique post cards, and the actual Post Office Dispatch Case tell the story of Safety Harbor’s first post office, established in 1880. Additional photographs and memorabilia are on display recalling the time when visitors were first drawn to this place "Where the Healing Waters Flow." Spring water taken directly from the Safety Harbor Spa is on display with other Spa historical artifacts.
When you make your Destination Tampa Bay, plan to visit the Safety Harbor Regional Museum of History, located at 329 Bayshore Boulevard South in Safety Harbor. It is open Wednesday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Thursday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. It also is open Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and on Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Tours can also be arranged any day of the week including Mondays and Tuesdays. Admission is $4.00 for adults, $3.00 for seniors and children 7 through 18. Children 6 and under are free. Guided tours are available by calling (727) 726-1668.
