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Sulphur Springs historical museum seems increasingly likely

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By KATHY STEELE | The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 6, 2009

TAMPA - Norma and Joseph Robinson have been described as a dynamic duo for their years of civic activism in Sulphur Springs.

Bank of America this week recognized their work with a 2009 "local hero" award and a $5,000 grant for the nonprofit endeavor of their choice.

The money will help launch the Sulphur Springs Museum at what the Robinsons hope will be a permanent museum home at the Mann-Wagnon Memorial Park, 1101 River Cove Dr. Other nonprofit groups also are expected to settle at the park where Hillsborough County's parks department housed its administrative staff for more than 20 years.

County officials last year moved their offices from the site which was donated by Cecile Wagnon more than 50 years ago and is owned jointly with the city.

An agreement is anticipated soon that will open the park to the museum as well as other nonprofits including Community Stepping Stones, a nonprofit youth art program, and Moses House, a nonprofit arts program which also has folk art of the late Taft Richardson.

"Our goal is to revitalize Sulphur Springs in such a way that the historical integrity and importance for the neighborhood is maintained," said Norma Robinson as she accepted the award at a Tampa Theatre ceremony.

The award also recognizes the couple's work with Sulphur Springs' youth, support for a new recreation center and advocacy of an expanded public library at Sulphur Springs Elementary School.

Artifacts, memorabilia and oral histories have been collected through the years to document the history of the community of Sulphur Springs and its historically black neighborhood of Spring Hill.

Many people have worked to make the museum possible, Norma Robinson said. Among them are University of South Florida assistant anthropology professor Antoinette Jackson, who heads the school's Heritage Research and Resource Management Lab; and local historian Linda Hope, who publishes the Penny Saver.

"Tampa is growing rapidly and newer people know nothing about Sulphur Springs and Spring Hill," Norma Robinson said. "There is a layer of its history being lost with these changes. They need to have a sense of pride and community in the neighborhood where they live."

In addition to a permanent history display, Robinson said she anticipates traveling exhibits and educational programs.

Reporter Kathy Steele can be reached at (813) 259-7652.

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