The oldest and one of the most popular toys in history, the doll, was celebrated at the “Hello Dollies” Exhibit held from October 2007 through January 2008 at the St. Petersburg Museum of History. The exhibit was a treat to doll lovers of all ages. Visitors were able to see dolls on display from all different periods of time, from the old-time Raggedy Ann to the modern Donald Trump doll that says “You’re fired!” Other popular dolls were featured such as Barbie, Chatty Cathy, Tiny Tears, and the memorable Betsy Wetsy. Many celebrity, advertising, career, ethnic, and fashion dolls were on hand, as well as dolls and accessories made from a wide variety of materials such as Porcelain, Wood, Metal, Cloth, Wax, Rubber, and Paper. The exhibit was displayed in the Strum Gallery, at the Museum. 

The world’s fascination with dolls dates back to ancient times, when wooden dolls were carved by prehistoric man. Throughout history dolls have been a reflection of the changing times. The Japanese made ornamental dolls in 3000 BC and dolls were found in Egyptian tombs dated 2000 BC. Dolls as toys became popular in the 1800’s and remain one of the best selling toys to this day. A childhood staple, they still are a source of learning and entertainment. They are used for advertising and to indicate current fashion trends. 

Interest in dolls is not limited to children. Doll collecting is a worldwide phenomenon. Some adult’s collect for fun and others collect for profit. At any given time one can go to online auctions and bid on thousands of different types of dolls. The evolution of the doll to the action figure opened up doll collecting to the masses. There are doll museums and exhibits all over the world that are attended by people of all ages. Museums in New York, Philadelphia, Paris, London, Prague, Germany, and Japan exist as well as a United Federation of Doll Clubs, which holds national conventions. In Japan there is even an annual Japanese Doll Festival, Hinamatsuri, or “Girls Day” which is celebrated on March 3rd. Collectors conventions are held year round all across the country.

 

The St. Petersburg Museum of History, along with the steering committee, is proud to have organized and hosted the Governor Charlie Crist Portrait Unveiling on Saturday, June 23rd at the Museum in front of over 300 patrons. The unveiling was very successful with Governor Crist implying that he was humbled by the Museum’s gesture to unveil his portrait at this point in his political career.   Rutland Bussey, President of the Board stated that “The Governor’s Portrait Unveiling kicked off the continuation of the Museum’s Oral History program which will now be a quarterly event featuring Pinellas County pioneer families.”   The second event, on the same day, was a fundraiser for the Museum. “Barbeque on the Bayou” was held at the Rutland-Farley Mansion and hosted by Phil and Michele Farley.   Thank You to Fast Party Rentals, Lee Roy Selmon and Lee Roy Selmon’s-All American Grill for donating the food for the barbeque, to Easywayit.com (Gino Laitano) for the beautiful memories captured in video and photographs, to Cheap Banners and Signs (Ken and Mary Ann Anderson) for the sponsor signs and to the volunteers, staff, and board members who helped the Museum’s Education and Operations Departments to net nearly $13,000 for ‘Barbeque on the Bayou.”   Special thanks to George Campbell, Ann Taylor, Rutland Bussey,Watson Haynes & Tim Watson (Co-chairs), Michelle Todd (the Governor’s Special Assistant) and the countless volunteers and steering committee members for their hard work on both events.
"Hubert Rutland, Chairman of the Board and President" Exhibit sponsored in part by Regions Morgan Keegan Trust, opened to the public on Saturday, March 17th and is housed in the Strum Gallery.  The VIP party for members and their guests (at the Museum) was held on Friday, March 16th to a sell out crowd.      Click here for more information.
Aero Art 2007 was a rare celebration of the arts in aviation and space. This art exhibition is being conducted by the Florida Bauhaus Company and was sponsored by the Florida Aviation Historical Society, the Florida Aviation Hall of Fame and the St. Petersburg Museum of History. Aero ART '07 exhibit opened to the public Saturday, January 20th and ended on Wednesday, February 28th at the Museum, located on the approach to the Pier.
"Black History Month"   African American Authors' lecture and book signing Friday, at the Museum, February 23rd, 7PM until 9 PM.  Sponsored by Reader's Choice Gifts & Books in St. Petersburg. Keynote speaker-Earl Christy, former defensive back for the Super bowl Champion New York Jets. Earl is now an inventor of a new sports board game called Sports-a-Cise. He will introduce his new product to the public at this Wine & Cheese Lecture Series.   Free admission for members and the media. Guests pay only$5pp. Price includes the lectures, food, beverage and the book signings. For further information and directions please contact Marketing Director, Rinita Anderson, of SPMOH at (727) 894-1052 ext. 205.
The St. Petersburg Museum of History Guild & Jack and Jeanne McGeough hosted History in the Making - an exquisite Cocktail Party…blending the past with the present on Friday, February 16, 2007 - 5PM until 8PM at Jack’s Catch, 155 8th Street South, St. Petersburg. Fl. The Historic Dupont building formerly known as the Wilhelm Funeral Home was the site of the Cocktail Party, Wine Tasting & fabulous Silent Auction. The Historic Dupont Building is “A Gentrifying Gem in a Genteel Area” (Gentrifying -The process where physically deteriorated neighborhoods experience physical renovation and an increase in property values.)
The St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce and the St. Petersburg Times sponsored the 2006 Candidates Dialogue. The Tuesday, October 17, 2006 event was held at the Museum of History. 2006 Candidates include: Jim Frishe, Betsy Valentine, Angelo Cappelli(confirmed), Bill Heller(confirmed), Tom Piccolo, Rick Kriseman(confirmed), Kim Berfield, Charley Justice(confirmed), Dottie Reeder, Janet Long(confirmed), Ed Hooper(confirmed), Candy Jovan, Calvin Harris, Brian Roche, John Morroni, Leonard Dramesi, Susan Latvala.
The Haunted Tales History exhibit featured an interactive display that shared local  folk-tales of paranormal activity of familiar landmarks such as the Vinoy, Fort Desoto, the Don Cesar and the Coliseum.  In addition, the Ingleside Vision (Ingleside/Roser Park/Bartlett Park Neighborhood exhibit) showcased the beauty within South St. Pete. Investors Tom Barrett and Len Johnsen took us on a journey of their home, formerly the Bradshaw Mansion. They showed us how a community pulled together to create a masterpiece of beautiful homes in an area which was once depressed. Kris Kelly, of the Roser Park Neighborhood joined the crusade to help preserve and protect Roser Park.

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