This Folk Victorian house was the honeymoon cottage of Peter and Lillie Knight and one of the earliest residences in Hyde Park, Tampa's first neighborhood. The House exemplifies Tampa's rising middle class's lifestyle in the Gaslight Era. Originally an "umbrella organization" of local history, Tampa Historical Society, headquartered at the Knight House, is now devoted to interpreting Victorian Era Tampa life through the House, its furnishings, artifacts, and programs, and off-site programs as well. Among the off-site programs, the most popular and unique take place at Oaklawn Cemetery (c.1850, Tampa's first public burying ground)in downtown Tampa. The Society also publishes one of the South's most prestigious journals of local history, The Sunland Tribune.
Founded in 1971 and established under Florida Law as a not-for-profit organization, Tampa Historical Society, Inc. has been devoted exclusively to Tampa history, its interpretation and preservation.
Ephemera and artifacts pertaining to Tampa from the Civil War to the 1940s.
Historical journals, books, memoirs, and photographs pertaining to historic Hillsborough County and Tampa, Civil War to present.
Lectures and guided tours of the Knight House, Historic Hyde Park, and Oaklawn Cemetery are offered. Fees vary with size and type of group. Educators' Guides available upon request for nominal fees.
Access: Scholars
Appointment required: True
Open by appointment and for events.