Tarpon Springs Area Historical Society

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.Take a trip with us into the past....... New Depot Hours
The historic Train Depot will be open Wednesday through Saturday from Noon-3:00 P.M.

The Tarpon Springs Area Historical Society has restored and preserved the unique Tarpon Springs Railroad Depot. Today, the Historic Train Depot Museum houses the office and Archives of the Society, which has filled the old station with exhibits telling the story of Tarpon Springs' past. Each year hundreds of tourists (from the United States and abroad), school children and locals visit the Depot to learn more about our town's heritage. The Society provides opportunities through meetings and special events to discover more of our community's fascinating history.

Some of the special events held are:
Monthly meetings of historical interest The Annual Remembrance Tea, which honors descendants of early and contributing families of Tarpon Springs The Cemetery Tour and re-enactment of persons of historical interest who are buried in the Cycadia and Rose Cemeteries The Annual Tour of Historic Homes The Annual Historical Society Picnic
The Historical Society has initiated a program to enter a whole new era of service to the Community. The Society has drawn up plans to redesign its exhibits and to expand its scope of activities, which will enhance its ability to meet its mission. The Depot Museum emphasizes the important role the railroad played in the growth of the town. The front rooms of the building are being restored to "be as they were" when it was a working railroad station. The rest of the facility will offer new exhibits on education, health care, local institutions, and many more. The Society has developed an educational program designed to offer local school children an opportunity to learn about the history of the community through a stimulating visit to the Depot Museum. The Museum is expanding its services as an Information Center on Tarpon Avenue to help visitors have a more pleasant stay in town. Its refurbished meeting space will be available for community events.
The Tarpon Springs Train Station circa 1917
In 1909 the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad opened a brand new brick depot to replace the wooden one built in 1887 that was destroyed by fire in 1908. For decades it served as the center of transportation and communication for Tarpon Springs. Visitors and new residents passed through the waiting rooms, freight was shipped through the warehouse, and messages were wired in and out of the station's Western Union office. In the 1970s when passenger service was discontinued, the Tarpon Springs Historical Society was invited to use the waiting rooms as meeting and gallery space. When freight service was also discontinued in the 1980s the Society was able to expand its use of the building.
This ambitious plan cannot happen without support from the community. The Historical Society needs assistance from corporations, organizations, as well as from individuals.

The Society extends an invitation to you to help reach this goal.

Tarpon Springs can be proud of its unique, diverse history, Your generous contributions can help make this history come to life.
See the Museum page for photos of the restored depot.

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Links to other sites of interest City of Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks Visit Florida	Mission Statement	Contact us at 160 East Tarpon Avenue Tarpon Springs, FL 34689 Phone: 727.943.4624 tarpon.historical@verizon.net