Vicente Martinez-Ybor Bicentennial Celebration
Friday, September 7, 2018 | 5:00-8:00 pm
Ybor City Museum State Park | 1818 E. Ninth Avenue, Tampa, FL 33605
Free Admission, Reservations Required by August 29th
September 7, 2018 marks the 200thbirthday of Ybor City’s founder, Vicente Martinez-Ybor, who led the way to the establishment of the cigar industry in Tampa and the city’s eventual renown as the “Cigar Capital of the World. Hosted by the Ybor City Museum Society and the Ybor City Museum State Park, thecelebration will include a dedication and special comments by Martinez-Ybor’s great-grandson, Rafael Martinez-Ybor, and other noted speakers. Attendees will enjoy light refreshments, live music by the HCC Ybor Campus Alumni Jazz Band, representation from several Ybor City organizations, domino games, a Bolita-style game of chance with prizes, the cutting of the birthday cake, and more. Admission is free and open to the public, however reservations are required and must be made by August 29.
Buildings Alive! Ybor City Architecture Hop
SAVE THE DATE: Thursday, March 7, 2019
8th Annual Buildings Alive! Architecture Hop
Ybor City Museum State Park | 1818 E. Ninth Avenue, Tampa, FL 33605
Thank you again to our community partners American Institute of Architects and Wilder Architecture (what were their correct names?), Bainbridge Ybor City, Casa Oliva, Design Styles Architecture, Lion’s Eye Institute, Swope Rodante PA, and USAmeribank. The behind-the-scenes tours of their historic buildings during the Buildings Alive! Ybor City Architecture Hop on March 8, 2018 gave us a sense of what Ybor City once was, and how it has evolved over the last 100 years or more.
If you missed this year’s event, please enjoy some of the highlights.
Thank you to Our Generous 2018 sponsors:
— Signature Sponsor —
— Sponsors —
— Friends of the Hop —
Barbas Nuñez Sanders Butler & Hovsepian
Florida Commercial Group, LLC
GJ Betancourt, CPA, P.A.
Legacy Awards
SAVE THE DATE: Sunday, June 9, 2019
35th Annual Legacy Awards Brunch
Congratulations again to Stephanie Agliano (Adela Gonzmart Award), Stephen M. Barbas (Pizzo Award), and Ariel Quintela (Ybor Award), who received their prestigious awards during the 34th Annual Legacy Awards Brunch at the Columbia Restaurant on June 10th. The comments they made in receiving their awards were inspiring and evoked the spirit of Ybor City’s unique history and cultural heritage. If you missed this year’s event or attended and would like to see the program again, please enjoy the video.
Thank you to Our Generous 2018 Sponsors
Robert C. and Aida Calafell :: Columbia Restaurant :: Thomas Financial :: Barbas Cremer, PLLC
Barbas Enterprises :: Barbas, Nuñez, Sanders, Butler, & Hovsepian :: Hill Ward Henderson :: Venable Law Firm
Hillsborough Community College Ybor Campus :: Bajo | Cuva | Cohen | Turkel
Oliva Tobacco Company :: Herman and Karen Lazzara :: Armando Maiz and Dr. Olga Luque-Maiz
Current Exhibits:
Traces of Cuba
Ybor City Museum State Park
As you walk around modern Tampa, you can see traces of the relationship between Tampa and Cuba all around you. This relationship dates back to the 1880s, when thousands of Cubans followed Vicente Martinez-Ybor and Ignacio Haya as they moved their cigar factories to Tampa. These Cuban immigrants brought more than just their knowledge of cigar making, however. They also brought with them a variety of foods, architecture, traditions, and a unique culture history that helped to shape - and continues to shape - the communities of Tampa. This special exhibition shows you some of these traces of Cuba, and explores the historic events and peoples that shaped the Tampa Bay area. This special exhibition will be on display through September, 2017.
The Jewish Roots of Ybor City
Ybor City Museum State Park
A special exhibit exploring the lasting impact the Jewish immigrants to Ybor City have had on the community. The many buildings they constructed can still be found throughout the area. The synagogues they founded are among the city's oldest and most influential institutions, and most Tampa natives will remember some of the hundreds of shops and restaurants owned by Jewish families over Ybor's history. All of these Jewish roots are honored through this exhibit. Ask a park ranger for a companion guide to this exhibit for more information.
Immigration and Ybor City 1886 - 1930
Ybor City Museum State Park
Ybor City’s immigrants came from lands far away to find new freedoms and opportunities to work in cigar factories, create businesses and become part of a rich and diverse community. They arrived with their own culture and traditions to discover new ways of life. The immigrant groups exhibit will intertwine the work and social lives of the Cubans, Spaniards, Sicilians, Romanian Jews, and Germans who helped weave the diverse tapestry that is uniquely Ybor. The iconic mutual aid societies, which provided for their medical and social needs are featured in a second exhibit.