TAMPA, Fla. — A trip back in time for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Tampa Bay is providing more than a walk down memory lane. It’s a reminder of how valuing history can help shape the future.
The Centennial Exhibit, located on the third floor of the Tampa Bay History Center, displays 100 years of impact supporting area youth.
When staff searched for artifacts to share, a time capsule containing a variety of photos and documents was discovered. The contents became the center of the exhibit.
“We were so pleasantly surprised to find artifacts and mementos commemorating the grand opening of our Inner Bay club, which was opened in 1962,” said Cassandra Thomas, Chief Marketing Officer with The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Tampa Bay. “So, some of the special items included a cigar fully intact, wrapped in plastic, a special telegram from President Herbert Hoover, who was then chairman of the board for the Boys Club of America.”
The interactive and inspirational exhibit takes people through decades of growth and connections.
“It shows the relationships, the bonds that it has,” said Altorian Salary, the Club Director at Guinta Middle School. He started attending the club as a sixth-grader.
“Ever since it’s been home, so it definitely kept me out of trouble,” said Salary. “It helped me with opportunities.”
Salary takes in the exhibit and decades of offering opportunities offered across the Bay Area.
The now Club Director, taking the opportunity to look back and celebrate 100 years of serving and supporting youth.
“It just really speaks to how strong of a thread we’ve been in the fabric of this community since 1926,” said Thomas.
“We were the very first boys club in the state of Florida, and we’re so very proud of that honor.”
Pride that fills the third floor of the Tampa Bay History Center.
“We want to encourage field trips. We want to encourage time with parents to come check it out,” said Thomas.
The community can even contribute ideas for what to put in a new time capsule.
“One thing I would really love to see is a laptop or a cellphone, with the way that technology is evolving and continues to evolve over the years,” said Thomas.
And over the next 100 years, the organization hopes to evolve with communities to continue serving kids.
“Even if you want to compare it to family way, it’s love. And what I mean by love,” said Salary. “Yes, they provide you with a job, but they also are still here to help you.”
A family teaching the next generation to value its history.
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Tampa Bay offers programs focusing on academics, life skills, health and wellbeing and career readiness. The exhibit runs until November 30th at the Tampa Bay History Center.