TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Tampa Bay History Museum Gets Big Promise

Tribune photo by MICHAEL SPOONEYBARGER

People enjoy the displays during the opening of the Tampa Bay History Center on Jan. 17.

ADVERTISEMENT

By MIKE SALINERO | The Tampa Tribune

Published: February 16, 2009

TAMPA - An anonymous donor has promised to give $1.5 million to the Tampa Bay History Center in the form of a challenge grant.

The donor hopes to attract matching donations for the History Center's capital campaign, said Grant Martin, the center's vice president for advancement.

"We are energized by this challenge gift, especially since it has come so quickly after our grand opening just four weeks ago," said C.J. Roberts, president and chief executive officer, in a news release. "We've opened our doors and people love what they see, but there is certainly more to come."

The donor is challenging others to donate $800,000 for the center's capital projects and $700,000 for an operating endowment. He promises to match those donations.

Including the challenge gift, the History Center has raised $30.7 million toward its previously announced goal of $32 million.

Interested donors can contact Martin at (813) 228-0097, or gmartin@tampabayhistorycenter.org.

The 60,000-square-foot History Center in Tampa's Channelside district opened in January. The exhibits span Florida history from prehistoric Native Americans through Spanish conquistadors, pioneers, Tampa's early cigar industry, sports heroes and railroad tycoons.

Reporter Mike Salinero can be reached at (813) 259-8303.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT