About Us
The Tampa Historical Society, Inc. (THS) is a Non-Profit organization that was founded by native Tampan, historian, and educator Anthony Pizzo. Pizzo was a well-respected and well-known businessman in the Tampa area. He was the official historian of Hillsborough County and he also served as chairman of the Hillsborough County Historical Commission from 1968 to 1980 where he oversaw and was responsible for over eighty historical markers in Tampa and Ybor City. In 1970, Pizzo gathered like-minded people together, all of whom were concerned that Tampa and Hillsborough County - so rich with heritage and history - had no “umbrella of organization” to preserve and interpret that history, and that’s how the Tampa Historical Society came to be.
Today, the Tampa Historical Society identifies as the oldest historical society in Tampa, Florida. THS focuses on its Historic Landmark headquarters that Anthony Pizzo helped create, the C. 1890 Peter O. Knight house. The House, located in the larger context of Historic Hyde Park, is a perfect tool for interpreting Tampa’s middle class (during the era) and the district where THS first grew and established itself. THS interprets Tampa’s history in the Gaslight Era through publication, programs, tours, lectures, workshops, and special events.
The THS invites you to join its Members and Board in citing local history! The Tampa Historical Society is for all Tampa History fanatics, no matter the age. Some of the Benefits of Membership include:
- Invitations to exciting annual events
- Volunteer opportunities in historic preservation, research, fundraising and so much more!