Founded by Mary Wheeler Eaton, the St. Petersburg Historical Society was officially incorporated on December 29, 1920. From the beginning, Mrs. Eaton and fellow members set out to collect objects and documents that told the early story of St. Petersburg and the Pinellas Peninsula.
The oldest museum in Pinellas County, the St. Petersburg Museum of History continues the mission Mary Wheeler Eaton began more than a century ago.
In 1922, the City provided space for the growing collection in an old aquarium building on the approach to the Municipal Pier, and the historical society opened the St. Petersburg Museum of History to the public for the first time.
That original building was replaced in 1950 with a larger facility on the same site. The Society became a nonprofit organization in 1957, marking a new phase of stability and growth. In 1961, the museum complex expanded with the acquisition of the historic Haas House, donated along with its contents and an extensive shell and mineral collection following the passing of Miss Edna Haas. The Lowe House was added in 1970, and over time the complex grew to include a blacksmith shop, dentist office, trolley, and railroad caboose.
In 1991, the historic houses were closed and their collections consolidated at the main museum, with the later relocation of the Lowe House to Heritage Village. A major city-supported renovation and expansion followed, reopening the museum in 1993 with significant private funding. Additional renovations in 2005 improved archives, preservation space, and public access. Today, the museum houses more than 50,000 objects and an extensive local history archive featuring thousands of historic images of the city.
The St. Petersburg Museum of History shares Florida’s stories as the hub of scholarship and learning—to inspire, entertain, and promote civic engagement.
The St. Petersburg Museum of History touches the lives of all Floridians and visitors to strengthen their connection to our history.
Museum memberships play a vital role in preserving our history while providing members with great benefits throughout the year. Join us in making history today!
