Historical Photo Archive | Research Library | Education and Events
We are a steward of over 100,000 historical photographic images and documents representing the Greater Plant City Area, East Hillsborough, and West Central Florida while providing the public with open access to our collections and research resources.
A treasure trove of over 100,000 historical photographs and documents. Relive the stories that shaped our region.
Our Story
Our organization's history dates to 2000, when we acquired a collection of photographs from the estate of Bill Friend, a renowned photographer in the area. This marked the birth of Plant City Photo Archives, whose initial mission was to protect and preserve the historical images of Plant City. Over the next two decades, our goal evolved from simply saving digital reproductions of the 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 us to expand our scope and become the Plant City Photo Archives & History Center, which focuses on uncovering and sharing the stories residing within our collection.
Our mission is to connect our community with its heritage by collecting and digitizing historical photographs and documents that reflect our rich and diverse history. We believe that by sharing the stories behind these images, we can inspire curiosity, respect and pride for our past and present.
Images Scanned
Documents Archived
Years Covered
Curious. Ask away, we're not shy.
We are Plant City Photo Archives & Plant City History.
Over 100,000 items. Treasures of history lies beyond our doors.
Absolutely! It's all free and open for you to browse. Public is welcome to our building and we are actively working to bring our collections online.
Photographs, Maps, Documents, Newspapers, Yearbooks. We got it.
Of course. Railroads, local legends, and general regional history.
Donations are super important to us. Keep history alive!
Serving the Greater Plant City Area located at 106 South Evers St
Plant City Fl 33563.
We love donations! They help us keep this historical goldmine accessible to everyone. Every bit counts, seriously.
$10
$20
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$100
$500
$1000
Rachel Dummeldinger
This is one of my favorite spots in Plant City. I love the history they preserve, and the generous hearts of the employees. A pretty diamond in our community.
Lex
I looked for early 1900 pictures which was good, and the staff showed me the Plant City bible. If you really want history lesson, the Plant city bible will open your eyes, it does not wash anything for the reader, for raw history. I went to Virginia, the Smithsonian Museums, Viginia colonialism towns, North Carolna towns, Charleston and others in proximity, St. Augustine to see and learn about colonies, indigenous life, slavery, trade and warfare. If you are a historian, Plant city photo archives, Saint Augustine, Saint Petersburg, old Miami, Tampa and Lakeland historic sites should be included to understand the transition of La Florida from indigenous to European ownership.
Earl Burkett
Great staff and tons of history. A must see if you are interested in Plant City history.
Mademoiselle Odden
The staff is comprised of very nice people. They host a lot of events for the local community.
Randy L.
Tea blending class, such fun.
Frank Cummings
History. If you like history this is the place
Jerome L. Green
Thank you, Ms. Kim, Ms. Samantha and Ms. Erin for all your help on my research project for the Green family! God Bless!
Brenda Paul
Enjoyed a meet and greet with other Plant City High School 1969 graduates at the location. Nice set up!
Join Plant City History
Please take this opportunity to become an annual Plant City History Member and help us maintain and preserve Plant City’s history for generations to come.
Per year
$35
Patron Membership
Per year
$100
Per year
$250
Per year
$500
Visit Us
Come see our physical collection and resources. We are located in the heart of Plant City, ready to share our history.
If you have photographs that you would like to donate to our non-profit museum, we would love to hear from you. We are looking for photographs that capture the history, culture, and diversity of our community. We only accept physical photographs, not digital pictures or artifacts. Please provide as much information as possible about the photograph, such as the date, location, subject, and photographer. This will help us preserve and display your donation in the best way possible. Thank you for your generosity and support of our museum.