Making History: Rui Farias Talks Exhibits and More at SPMOH

Since 1922, the St. Petersburg Museum of History has been collecting both rare and common materials relating to life in Florida, specifically St. Pete and the Pinellas peninsula. Today, the collections contain over 40,000 objects and over 25,000 photographs, books, maps, and other ephemera in the archives. Executive Director Rui Farias recently talked to us about what’s new and upcoming at the museum and what it’s like to have his “dream job.”

How do you feel about being the keeper of over 100 years of history for St. Petersburg?

I love it! It was a job I was meant to have. I remember as an 8-year-old kid, biking down to the museum on weekends and hanging out. I love everything to do with history, it’s my passion. I was a history teacher and started a history class at the museum. I joined the board for a few years and applied for the part-time executive director position and got it. I became the full-time director two and a half years ago and never looked back.

How did the construction of the new pier affect the museum?

With The Pier construction and Covid shutting us down, we reopened almost like starting a new business. We started [back up with] Happy Hour with the Historian. We wanted history to be fun and it can be more exciting than fiction. We are now into our 11th year with this monthly Thursday event, and it has become so popular that it is standing-room only. It has been a challenge to find speakers, but we always manage to fill up the calendar.

Did Happy Hour with the Historian spur other events?

Because of the popularity of it, we have started events that are tied in with the city. History gives us more freedom to do that. Our fundraiser at the Shuffleboard Club draws the crowds and it is a fun night for the community to get to know each other and have fun doing it. Trolly tours have snowballed, and we have five tours going on. The boat tour is very popular, and we partner with Tampa Bay Watch for the historical input of St. Petersburg’s waterfront and the colorful cast of characters that played a part in the city’s history. It is the perfect blend of history, science, and beautiful waterfront views. We have even partnered with the cruise ship that offers a trolly tour of St. Petersburg before the passengers board.

We heard you do a podcast?

Yes, I recently started Historically St. Pete for Radio St. Pete and it is a lot of fun talking to and interviewing people. You can hear it every Monday at noon [or stream anytime] on radiostpete.com. It is an all-volunteer community radio station and a huge success.

Why is this history museum important to the community?

We collect and protect amazing things. We have tens of thousands of pieces and have had to rent a warehouse to hold them all. We recently were given the 1925 blueprint of the Vinoy. We get calls and artifacts constantly so we can keep refreshing the exhibits. Explore Florida is coming soon from a grant we received. It will be in 12 segments showing how St. Petersburg played a part in Florida’s growth. In the main gallery coming soon will be Wish You Were Here, a fun tourism exhibit. We never stop taking care of St. Pete’s history.

What is your favorite exhibit in the museum?

The Webb City room! I love all things Webb City and even have Doc Webb’s desk that I sit at with his picture on the wall behind me.

Will you be kicking off your Capital Campaign Fund soon?

We plan to break ground for a new building sometime this year through grants and fundraising. I have a wonderful board that shares my vision for the need to grow the museum. They work hard at preserving the history of this wonderful city. The first floor will be a welcome center with a huge gift shop like you have never seen. The second floor will be for exhibits and the rooftop terrace will be for social events. We will also be upgrading the Flight Gallery during this time with more interactive history of the Flight of the Benoist that took off from the Yacht Basin in 1914. The Flight Gallery has been quite an attraction, and I have seen people at night peering through the windows at the Benoist replica hanging from the ceiling. 

What is your vision for the museum in the next 10 years?

History is fun! I want to exhibit the history of St. Petersburg so the community will realize what the early pioneers did to establish this city and through our ongoing collection of this history, exhibit it in a pleasing manner for all to see and enjoy. This is the museum for all St. Petersburg residents. Come and visit us!

Learn more at spmoh.com.