Tampa Turns 138: Celebrate with Weeklong Historic Events

It begins like any good Stephen King tale: with a sense of place so rich in history, you can almost hear the whispers of the past. Tampa, Florida—a city forged by fire, flood, cigar smoke, and relentless ambition—celebrates its 138th birthday this year with an unforgettable week of mystery, memory, and revelation. And what better way to honor the dead, the living, and everything in between than Archives Awareness Week?

Founded in 1992, this event isn’t just about dusting off old papers. It’s a resurrection. A week where Tampa’s history doesn’t just speak—it echoes, through sacred halls, forgotten graves, and haunted hotel walls. All events are free and open to the public, a rare gift in a world where everything costs something.