The museum was the vision of three individuals [Joseph Robinson, Norma Robinson, and Linda Hope] who in 2006 looked to enrich the lives of its residence with the history of the community. The Sulphur Springs Museum and Heritage Center has been created “to celebrate and preserve the history of Sulphur Springs a community that help Tampa’s growth”
MISSION STATEMENT
To celebrate and preserve the history of Sulphur Springs, a neighborhood community that helped shapes Tampa, Florida
VISION: It is the vision for the museum
- To revitalize the Sulphur Springs in such a way that the historic integrity and importance of the neighborhood is maintained and accentuated,
- To encourages economic growth and expansion that benefits the neighborhood and City of Tampa,
- To respect and preserves the natural features located in the Sulphur Springs area
- To promote a safe, clean environment for the neighborhood children and all who live in Sulphur Springs.
Goals
To identify and preserve community landmarks such as historic structures standing that can create an historic continuity and reference for the community. Structures of special interest should include but not limited to the Spring Theater, Tower, Sulphur Springs pool, Harbor Club, old bridge
- To preserve the Harbor Club-- a social anchor in a historic community
- To broaden awareness and educate the public about this historical community's role which dates back to the 1920s
- To highlight Nature as a Heritage Resource in Sulphur Springs. Investigate information about environmental sources in Sulphur Springs, especially springs, sinkholes, caves and other hydrologic systems that link to the Hillsborough River. Gather information pertaining to ecosystems/wildlife that inhabit the river corridor
- To highlight Sulphur Springs as a social hub and important site of recreation in Tampa's history
- Build a comprehensive profile of the history of Sulphur Springs and Spring Hill, identifying the role African Americans and other underrepresented groups played and continue to play in the history of Sulphur Springs
- To collect oral histories. Meet with community experts to record their stories of neighborhood history.
- To develop a Neighborhood Storyboard Project for Sulphur Springs
- To collect personal artifacts/mementos/articles pertaining to Sulphur Springs and Spring Hill. Create a space to store and showcase personnel collections of community history
- To cultivate broad support across community (ies) for researching and preserving the history of Sulphur Springs, including university, government, neighborhood and civic associations. Seek support locally and statewide
- To raise public awareness on the community's historical significance and present its importance as an inner- ring community chartered with serving low-income people
New developments will help revitalize Sulphur Springs and bring new visitors to the area. The museum will support these efforts and will benefit from the new interest that will display its heritage.