By Kathy Collins
In an effort to provide greater service, the Plant City Photo Archives and History Center (History Center) has greatly expanded its hours.
“We have adopted a revised schedule to provide greater accessibility during the work week,” explained Gilbert Gott, executive director of the History Center.
The administrative office of the History Center will now be open from 9 a.m.-7 p.m., and the Exhibit Gallery, History Center and research library will be open from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday through Thursday.
The History Center recently undertook a study of facility usage. According to Gott, “The staff found that being open longer hours during the week would benefit visitors substantially. In addition, many events at the Archives (History Center) are hosted in the evening hours. The staff study found that significant usage was very low on Fridays and Saturdays, although curiosity walk-in traffic was found to occur during Car Show and Bike Fest events. Virtually no photo collections or history center activity took place on weekends.”
If, however, you are in town for a short time or can only visit on the weekend, the staff will be happy to make an appointment.
History Center Administrative Assistant, Kim Hamilton said, “The extended hours will allow students and others the opportunity to pursue research projects after normal school or work hours.” Hamilton also serves as the secretary for the Friends of the Bruton Memorial Library.
The History Center serves as a venue for the arts. It hosts concerts, receptions and exhibits. In addition, the History Center serves as a regular meeting place for a number of Plant City based organizations including the Kiwanis Club, the Arts Council of Plant City, Friends of the Bruton Memorial Library, Daybreak Rotary Club, Civitan Club and others.
The History Center is a great resource for all residents. It will have a summer intern program this year. Those interested should contact Gott at gvgott@gmail.com.
The Plant City Photo Archives and History Center is located at 106 S. Evers St. in historic downtown Plant City. For more information, call 754-1578.
