By Kathy L. Collins
The Plant City Photo Archives and History Center will host its annual Salute To Veterans, an exhibit which features nearly 700 photos. The exhibit is available for viewing now through Friday, January 7, 2016. The Plant City Photo Archives and History Center is located at 106 S. Evers St. in downtown Plant City.
According to Gilbert Gott, executive director of the Plant City Photo Archives and History Center, “The exhibit will be up for the duration of the holidays as we have had visitors in from out of town who were from Plant City or are visiting relatives over the holidays and all want to see their uncles, grandmothers, grandfathers who served in Army, Air Corps and other branches of service.”
The Salute To Veterans exhibition began in 2005 in recognition of 60 years since the end of World War II. It was created with the assistance of Betty Barker Watkins who had accumulated over 400 photographs and stories from veterans and their families who resided in Plant City.
“Veterans who wish to have their photos added to our digital collection, may bring them to the Archives during regular business hours (Monday through Friday from 9 a.m.- p.m.),” said Gott.
In addition to the exhibit, the Plant City Photo Archives and History Center is holding a letter writing program. Visitors can write a letter of thanks that will be delivered to Plant City residents currently serving in the armed forces. The letter writing program is designed to encourage young people to remember the sacrifices veterans make every day for our country.
“We want to show appreciation for Plant City soldiers overseas,” explained Gott. Letters will be accepted until Friday, December 18.
Residents who would like to have letters sent to their family are asked to contact the Plant City Photo Archives and History Center at 754-1578 or email gil@plantcityphotoarchives.org.
The Plant City Photo Archives and History Center is a not for profit organization dedicated to the preservation of the history and heritage of the greater Plant City community.
For more information, visit www.plantcityphotoarchives.org.
