April 25th, Fred McGriff to Appear for Tampa Bay Ray's Commemorative Brick Unveiling   Join the St. Petersburg Museum of History in celebrating the Tampa Bay Rays as baseball's 2008 American League Champions. The Museum's Board of Trustees and staff will welcome Tampa native Fred McGriff. Currently in his third season as a special advisor to the club, Fred is the former Tampa Bay Rays first baseman and five-time All-Star. To observe the occasion, an informal commemorative brick unveiling will take place at SPMOH on Saturday, April 25th from 11am until noon. Come meet Fred as he accepts the "Rays Field of Dreams" commemorative brick on behalf of the Rays organization. Local sponsors include: Pedro Hernandez of Depot Granite, Marble and Tile; Richard Alford of Sumner Marble & Granite Works, Inc; Eric Barthelemy of JJ Stone; and Tommy Todd of Tommy Todd Lawn & Landscape. Also, on the same day at a later time, (from 2pm-4pm) the Museum will honor the work of three dedicated organizations and their separate exhibits: "Girl Scouts of West Central Florida - A Look Back at Our History," "St. Petersburg Audubon Society's Centennial Celebration," and the "Greater Pinellas Point Civic Association's Neighborhood." The Ray's brick dedication is free to the public. The opening reception for the three new exhibits is free for members and $5 per person for guests. Come see what the excitement is about!  4th Annual African American Lecture Series: February 21st, from 2pm until 4pm To celebrate Black History Month, the St. Petersburg Museum of History combines Jazz, African American Authors and St. Petersburg pioneers in the local Black Media to headline the 4th Annual African American Author’s Lecture Series. The 2009 theme is The Art of Communication." The program features Keynote speaker Kenny Walker of the Al Downing Tampabay Jazz Association and Norman E. Jones II African American author. The Museum will pay special tribute to the Weekly Challenger Newspaper and WRXB radio station for being the dedicated voices for the black community, for nearly 75 years. Jazz, print and electronic media will be showcased during this Black History celebration that is open to the public and free. Featured speaker, Kenny Walker, was born in a small town outside of Reno, Nevada, and started playing the bass guitar in his father's church. Playing in church proved to be a great musical education, giving him the foundation to lead his band (the critically acclaimed Dr. LoHertz and the Groove Injektors). Kenny has held the bass violin chair in several theater productions and is an occasional host of an electrifying jazz show on WMNF 88.5 FM. He currently plays bass with Gumbi Ortiz and the Latino Projekt and will provide an engaging lecture on the "History of Jazz." This interactive lecture will enlighten the public on how jazz musicians communicate with each other and with the audience.  In addition, Norman E. Jones II, will speak about his new book "The Art of Livin Ink," on his father Norman E. Jones I. His father was a controversial African American photojournalist in the Tampabay area. Norman E. Jones I, published the Tampa Star 1952-1955, authored the Let’s Talk Politics column in several black publications for twenty-years (1956-1976). Norman II is currently a journalist for the Weekly Challenger Newspaper. This Black History event is perfect for aspiring journalists, musicians and all others who love "The Art of Communication." Join us on Saturday, February 21st, from 2pm until 4pm for an interesting afternoon sponsored by Reader’s Choice Books and Orange Blossom Catering.

St. Petersburg College: A Legacy of Leadership Exhibit           "St. Petersburg College: A Legacy of Leadership" Exhibit   St. Petersburg College: A Legacy of Leadership Open Sept. 28-March 2009 The St. Petersburg Museum of History asks you to join us in celebrating St. Petersburg College’s extraordinary academic and financial accomplishments under the leadership of President Carl M. Kuttler, Jr. The exhibit opened to the public on Sept. 28th. There are three components to this exhibit: A timeline along the entry wall that contains information on all five presidents of the college, key points in the college’s history and key events in U.S. history as perspective. The Neighborhood Gallery, which will have displays on each decade in the college’s history on one wall and a gallery of distinguished alumni on the other, along with display cases on distinguished alums such as Congressman Bill Cramer, entrepreneur Wendall Ware, war hero Virginia Roush D’Albert-Lake, former SPJC president Michael Bennett and his wife, Beverly Bennett. That gallery also contains a large display detailing the history and legacy of Gibbs Junior College. The larger Strum gallery, beginning in mid-October, after the Diana dresses exhibit is over, will feature the college’s history during the 30 years that Carl M. Kuttler Jr. has been president. It will contain: Biographical information on Dr. Kuttler, including early life in St. Petersburg, SPJC student years, family, education, etc. International relationships with Russia, China, Guatemala, and others. Business partnerships. Cultural and civic endeavors (Leepa-Rattner, Palladium, Millennium Celebration, etc.) National education leadership initiatives. Technology initiatives. Honors and awards for Dr. Kuttler personally and for the college. See you at the exhibit!  Call the museum at 727-894-1052 for more information. Steering Committee: Co-Chairs-Ann Taylor and Rutland Bussey Mike O’Keeffe, Wilma Norton, Lisa Wilkes, Lynn Hammond, Bill Frederick, Rinita Anderson, Dr. George Banez, and Sherry Harris The St. Petersburg College Exhibit was created and presented by the college. While the content of the exhibit does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the museum Board of Trustees, members, staff or volunteers, the museum is proud to offer St. Petersburg College a forum to display the 80 year history of the college.

"The Russian Connection: Scenes from St. Petersburg, Florida." was open through February 28, 2009   The Art of Communication - Black History Tribute (St. Petersburg, Florida---February 24, 2009) On Saturday, February 21st, to celebrate Black History Month, the St. Petersburg Museum of History gave a special tribute to the Weekly Challenger Newspaper and WRXB radio station for being the dedicated voices for the black community for nearly 70 years. The program, entitled "The Art of Communication," showcased keynote speaker jazz bass violinist Kenny Walker and historian and author Norman E. Jones II. 2009 Art of Communication awards were given by the Museum’s Executive Director, Dr. George Banez, and Marketing Director, Rinita Anderson, to Mrs. Ethel Johnson, CEO of the Weekly Challenger Newspaper and Ms. Dianne Speights, General Manager. A special appearance was made by Mr. Michael Danzey, former General Sales Manager of WRXB 1590 Am radio station, on behalf of his father and mentor Mr. Eugene Danzey, founder and former owner of the station. Donza Drummond, current Sales Manager of WRXB, Tangela Murph Bailey, of Reader’s Choice Book Store, musician Kenny Walker and author Norman Jones II also received the Art of Communication awards. Featured speaker Kenny Walker, explained and showed how a jazz musician connects with his audience. It was evident that Kenny really enjoys being a bass violinist and speaker for the Al Downing Jazz Association. His eyes lit up when he talked about his favorite jazz artist, Duke Ellington. Kenny currently plays with Gumbi Ortiz and the Latino Projekt band. Norman E. Jones II spoke about his new book "The Art of Livin’ Ink," about his father Norman E. Jones, the controversial African American photojournalist, whom he barely knew until he was grown. Overall it was like a family reunion of sorts. The audience was made up of many familiar faces in the crowd who seemed to appreciate the speakers and the program. Tangela Murph Bailey said it best, "Let’s make Black History about more than just the month of February. We should celebrate our history all year long, for all of the accomplishments we’ve made over the years."   2008 Queen of Hearts -  For more than half a century, the  has honored women's volunteerism along with contributing to nonprofit organizations. This year, in a black-tie dinner at the Hilton St. Petersburg, the honor of queen went to Sally Poynter, who was sponsored by the St. Petersburg Museum of History, Sallie's Angels, the Science Center Guild, the Woman's Service League, Boley Angels, the All Children's Hospital Guild, the Boys &Girls Clubs of the Suncoast Guild and the Bayfront Medical Auxiliary. Poynter's many activities includepresent and past contributions to dozens of Tampa Bay charitable organizations. Presented as her court of princesses were: Kathleen Guckenberger, sponsored by the Interlock Club and the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Suncoast Guild; Martha Mohn, sponsored by Boley Angels, the Seminole Woman's Club and Alpha Mu Sorority of Beta Sigma Phi; Sparky Paradis, sponsored by the Science Center Guild, the Museum of History Guild and the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Suncoast Guild; Ann Taylor, sponsored by the St. Petersburg Museum of History Guild; Precella Wallace, sponsored by the St. Petersburg Woman's Club and the Florida Orchestra Guild; and Teresa Wittstruck, sponsored by the Women's Chamber of Commerce, Infinity, All Children's Hospital Guild, the Woman's Service League and the Interlock Club. Also honored were Joann Barger, the 2008 queen of hearts, and her court: Donna Gaffney, Kim Horstman, Sharon Jackson, Sarah Lonquist, Janet Raymond and Ann Vickstrom. Lenne Nicklaus-Ball and Gaffney were co-chairs of the event, which contributed all proceeds to the selected charities for 2009: Creative Clay Cultural Arts Center and Suncoast Voices for Children. Sheila Tempelmann is president of the Queen's Court. - Article written by Mary Jane Park, St. Petersburg Times online edition 2/15/09

Grand Opening / Russian Connection: Scenes from St. Petersburg  Reception -January 16th   Advertising Built St. Petersburg, the Sunshine City Exhibit  (October 21-January 9, 2009)    The above headline was featured in a 1925 advertisement designed to attract a major advertising convention to the city in 1926. Steel built Pittsburgh, Automobiles built Detroit, and oil built Houston. In fact, advertising and public relations turned the little village of St. Petersburg into a major tourist destination. The Advertising Built St. Petersburg, the Sunshine City exhibit even features old national television commercials that many adults can remember. The exhibit traces the work of John Lodwick, a public relations genius along with Mayor Pulver and their fictional "Purity League" which protected husbands from "sea vamps" in their one-piece bathing suits. After World War II, the tourism effort was continued by photographer Jack Swenningsen who took thousands of advertising and publicity pictures attracting visitors and new residents alike. The exhibit features Jack’s photography, brochures and post cards. In addition, the exhibit presents real estate advertising from the 20’s, the story of Mr. Sun and many antique advertising items. Advertising Helped Win the War Advertising posters were everywhere during World War II and helped mobilize a nation. Inexpensive to produce and even present, posters made war aims the personal mission of every citizen. Government agencies, businesses and private organizations produced an array of images linking the military front with the home front. Almost every subject related to the war effort made its way onto a poster. Propaganda, national security, war bonds, careers, protection of freedom, the list goes on and on. Posters appeared in factories, public places, government agencies, retail stores, transit, wherever people gathered. The St. Petersburg Museum is proud to present part of their advertising collection that helped win the war. For more information on this exhibit please contact Bob Guckenberger, SPMOH Board Marketing Chair at (727) 894-1052, ext. 200      St. Petersburg Museum of History Presents NOAA Speaker Series Experience What Marine Life Hears Underwater and Explore Florida's Hazardous Weather     The St.Petersburg Museum of History invited the public to attend our second to final event in the Treasures of NOAA's Ark Speaker Series. Join us as we investigate science that reaches from the bottom of the sea to the surface of the sun.     On Saturday, October 18, 2008, NOAA scientist, Kyle Baker, will discussed the issue of ocean noise, which has been a hot conservation topic over the last several years. Why is underwater noise so important and is it really having affects on marine life? This fun and informative talk will get you thinking about what is happening beneath the water's surface and what NOAA is doing to protect marine life from human causes of noise in the ocean. The talk included examples of sounds made by dolphins, whales, and fishes; explain the importance of underwater sound; and discuss how urbanization of coastal and ocean areas might be affecting marine life.    WHAT:           Commotion in the Ocean: The Importance of Underwater Sound and Marine Life Treasures of NOAA's Ark Speaker Series                       WHEN:           Saturday, October 18, 2008  11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.   WHERE:         St. Petersburg Museum of History 335 Second Avenue NE St. Petersburg, Florida                              WHO:              Kyle Baker, Scientist for NOAA's Fisheries Service in St.Petersburg, Florida     Royalty…Triumphs and Tragedies   An exciting new exhibit, aptly named, “Royalty…Triumphs and Tragedies" opened February 9th 2008 at the St. Petersburg Museum of History.    This was a living exhibit, in that the vast collection of memorabilia is constantly rotated to ensure the visitor has something new and exciting to see each visit.   This spectacular exhibit will displayed artifacts from a variety of Royals including: Diana, Princess of Wales, Queen Elizabeth II, The Queen Mother, the Duke and Duchess of Windsor (King Edward VIII and Mrs. Wallace Simpson), Prince Charles, The Princess Royal and Royalty. The exhibit gave the “Diana fan” another chance to see a collection of her dresses from the Christies’ Auction.  “Pink Ribbons Crusade” a not for profit charity for breast cancer, owner of some of the dresses loaned this exhibit to the Museum free of charge to raise funds for breast cancer patients and their families in Pinellas County.  Also included in the exhibit were dresses never before seen on the public circuit. For the first time ever, the exhibit featured a collection of dresses from the “American Princess” her Serene Highness, Grace of Monaco, kindly loaned by Suzanne and Jess King of Austin, TX. To mark the 25th anniversary of her death, this stunning collection included gowns and dresses that punctuated her life before her untimely death in 1982. For more on this exciting event, please visit www.dianadresses.org. The St. Petersburg History museum was proud to host this magnificent exhibit and thanks all those that visited and helped support a great cause. Numerous fund raising events took place as the exhibit progressed such as  sumptuous “High Tea “ and a personal glimpse into the life of the royals by Princess Diana’s personal chef Darren McGrady, who has written a bestselling cook book “Eating Royally” of which all proceeds go to pediatric Aids and breast cancer. Limited edition royal memorabilia were on sale in the museum’s gift shop. The proceeds of this event went to the St. Petersburg Museum of History, owned and operated by the St. Petersburg Historical Society (a non for profit charity) funded by local donations and admission fees and Hospice of the Florida Suncoast (a nonprofit charity).  All proceeds will be used locally for breast cancer patients and their families. The exhibit curator Audrey Fournier is a long time volunteer with the Hospice of the Florida Suncoast and the Pink Ribbons Crusade. Gloria Bussey, Margaret Rogers-Kline and other Pink Ribbons and Hospice volunteers assembled this exhibit. The St. Petersburg Museum of History and the patients and their families from The Hospice of the Florida Suncoast in St. Petersburg thank you for your support.

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