Historical – Tarpon Springs Merchant's Association

Heritage Museum

Posted by Jeff Stolbom in art, Downtown District, Family, Historical, Museum, photography, Tarpon Springs, Things To Do, tours | 0 comments

The Heritage Museum is situated in Craig Park on beautiful Spring Bayou. This beautifully renovated facility, formerly a library, has two separate wings. The History Wing traces the development of Tarpon Springs from prehistoric times to the Second World War. It features a vintage photography exhibit of the city, a native American presentation and a sponge diving film and display. The film is shown on demand and is 16 minutes in length.

The Greek Community of Tarpon Springs

A permanent interactive exhibit, “The Greek Community of Tarpon Springs” explores the history and culture of the Greek community, including domestic traditions, food, ways, religion, and celebrations. It also includes a special focus on the sponge industry and other maritime traditions, as well as music and dance. A Greek Arts Kiosk features examples of music, video and photos of local and Greek traditions and festivals. Tour groups will enjoy exploring the exhibit and talks by local experts can be arranged in advance.

The ecology wing features the large-scale murals of Tarpon Springs artist Christopher Still. The murals are fine giclee reproductions of the series that hangs in the chambers of Florida House of Representatives, and tell the story of the state’s vivid history. Each of the murals contains many symbolic elements that introduce the people and events that shaped Florida’s history from 16th century European discovery to modern times.

The Heritage Museum is located at the heart of Tarpon Springs, in shady Craig Park overlooking Spring Bayou. The serene waters of the Bayou attracted the town’s very first settlers, and many wealthy northerners of the late 19th century later built their winter homes on this “Golden Crescent.” Still very much a town landmark, the bayou is the site of the annual Greek Orthodox Epiphany Celebration and cross-diving ceremony, and the winter home of numerous manatees.

Chamber music concerts and lectures are held at the Heritage Museum, and it is also available for rental for weddings and special functions.

HOURS AND ADMISSION

Wednesday and Friday 11 am-4 pm. Admission is $3.00 for adults, children are admitted free when accompanied by an adult. TarponArts members are always admitted free.

GROUPS

Schools and other groups are entitled to group rates (school children $1, other groups of 10 or more $2). Chaperones are admitted free with 10 paying guests.

Directions to Heritage Museum

From U.S. 19, go west on Tarpon Avenue to the end of the street at Spring Boulevard. Make a left and an immediate right around Craig Park. The Museum is the first building on the right.

Parking at Heritage Museum

Parking is free at the Heritage Museum. There is both street parking and a parking lot behind the building. The main entrance is ADA accessible.

Visit TarponArts.org for more information.

Photos and text courtesy of Tarpon Arts.

Safford House Museum

Posted by Jeff Stolbom in Family, Florida, Historical, Museum, Tarpon Springs, Things To Do | 0 comments

One of Tarpon Springs’ best kept secrets is the 1883 Safford House Museum. Visiting the home of one of the city’s original developers is a journey back in time.The Safford House has been restored to its original Victorian splendor and is open to the public. Today the Safford residence is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is owned and operated by the City of Tarpon Springs as a museum.

The house is a fine example of late 19th century Florida vernacular architecture and is filled with period furnishings and original family possessions that bring the Safford family to life. A visit offers the opportunity to get acquainted with the family and to experience Florida life more than 100 years ago.

The late 1800s, when Anson P.K. Safford and his family resided in Tarpon Springs, was an era of gracious living without the pressures of modern society. Touring their house takes visitors back to that restful time and place. From the charming porch swing to the large inviting dining room, the house is filled with pleasant spaces where friends and family gathered for meals and social events.

The Safford House is located in the historic district off Grand Boulevard at 23 Parkin Court. It was donated to the City of Tarpon Springs in 1994. The extensive restoration was funded by the State of Florida, Division of Historical Resources and the City of Tarpon Springs. Furnishings were provided in part by a Save America’s Treasures grant, and donations by local residents.

Hours and Location of Safford House Museum

Wednesdays and Fridays from 11 AM to 3 PM. Admission is $3 to tour the House; children accompanied by adults are free. Cultural Treasures members are admitted free to tour the house. Please call 727-937-1130 for further information or to schedule a tour, or email. Special events are scheduled during the year, such as the annual Victorian Candlelight Christmas Tour.

Directions to Safford House Museum

The House is located at 23 Parkin Court off Grand Blvd. in Tarpon Springs, Florida, 34689. From U.S. 19 take Tarpon Avenue west to the end of the street (1 mile); Make a right on Spring Boulevard. At the stop sign, proceed straight through the intersection. Make a left on Parkin Court (two blocks north). Go to the end of the street. See map.