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.