Since we are talking about history…
In 2000, the organization was born from the acquisition of a collection of photographs from the estate of William Friend, a renowned photographer in the area. The Archives initial mission was to protect and preserve the historical images of Plant City. Since then, it’s goal evolved from only saving digital reproductions of photographs, to exploring and understanding the historical significance behind each subject captured for posterity. The establishment of the Dr. Scotty & Hsiu Huang History Center in 2010 allowed the Archives to expand its scope beyond photos. The Center is the institution’s onsite research library. It offers books on a broad range of historical topics. “We are very accessible,” said David Moon, Executive Director. “People can walk in and learn a little bit more.” To do so, the location is at 106 South Evers Street in Plant City.
Plant City History and Photo Archives holds a collection of over 100,000 local historical photographs, negatives, and documents that are available for the public to view at no cost. Inside the gallery visitors can see slideshows of digital photo reproductions on large display screens or browse through the archives. The exhibits include things like a salute to veterans and the Strawberry Festival. Staff are available to answer questions. “The Photo Archives are a snapshot into what the history of Plant City has been over the years,” commented Libby Hopkins, Community Outreach Manager.
In addition to William Friend, who worked as a news photographer, the Archives has a collection from Gladys Jeffcoat, a local events photographer. “It takes a very personal view,” added Moon, “Especially with our collections from Bill Friend. We also have wedding photos, graduation photos, yearbook photos, and others.”
The Archives can also scan people’s photos. The cost varies, but the service is half the price of what other places would charge.
Plant City History and Photo Archives is open Tuesday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, go to https://www.plantcityphotoarchives.org/
HOW YOU CAN HELP
The Archives is a registered non-profit 501(c)(3) entity.
1. You can give a contribution to the Plant City History and Photo Archives for as little as $10. Prior donors can revive their donations, and invite friends and neighbors to join with them to support the Archives.
2. You can become a Plant City History and Photo Archives member. Annual memberships range from $35 to $500. The Archives is currently in the midst of a drive to encourage people to renew old memberships, or sign up for new ones.
3. If you have photographs that you would like to contribute, the team would love to hear from you. They are looking for photographs that capture the history, culture, and diversity of the community. However, they accept only physical photographs, not digital pictures or artifacts.
4. If you would like to volunteer, the Plant City History and Photo Archives can always find interesting historical things for you to do.
5. The Plant City History and Photo Archives holds regular events tied to local history to raise awareness and have fun. There can be a fee. Often the organization will partner with local businesses to take part. Below is a list of upcoming events:
• October 12 – Yoga Brunch.
• October 19 – Mischief and Mayhem is a free Halloween event for Plant City residents that offers pumpkin decorating, face painting, a costume contest, and Halloween crafts.
• November 16 – Charcuterie class.
“We would love to have more of the community involved with us,” Hopkins said. “We are kind of like the hidden gem. We don’t want to be that. We want to be known for the history and the photos we possess, but also as a fun place to come and do activities, and get to know our community better.”
The Plant City History and Photo Archives is located at 106 S. Evers St and you can reach them at 813-754-1578.