About the Collection
In 1917, Al and Jean Burgert bought pioneering photographer William A. Fishbaugh’s commercial photographic studio and then opened their own business. In the ensuing decades, the Burgert Brothers Commercial Photography Studio rapidly rose to become Tampa’s premier commercial photographic firm.
Special Thanks
After the Burgert Brothers Studio closed in the mid-60s, their photographs and negatives were stored in a tin-roofed garage. Many negatives were destroyed by heat, humidity, and rain. In 1974, the Friends of the Library recognized the historic significance of the photographic images and purchased the collection for the library. Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library preserved and digitized these priceless images to make them accessible to the public.
More Fun
Participate in our weekly Throwback Thursdays Facebook trivia contest (facebook.com/ TampaHillsLib). The first person to answer the question correctly wins a print copy of the photo! The contest runs through September 28, 2017.
On Display
100th Anniversary
1917: The Year through the Eyes of the Burgert Brothers August 1 – September 17, 2017 John F. Germany Public Library – Kotler Gallery 900 N. Ashley Drive, Tampa This multifaceted exhibit will examine the lives, structures, and events captured by the Burgert Brothers Photographic Studio in its first year of operation, including a display of images and narratives of the Burgert family and information on the other photographers and studios associated with the Burgert Brothers.
Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative (813) 273-3652
I HCPLC.org
Event Guide
Burgerts & Beyond: New Perspectives on Historic Photographs September 13 at 10:30 a.m. USF Tampa Library 4th Floor – Grace Allen Room 4202 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa
Join USF Contemporary Art Museum curator Noel Smith and Special Collections librarian Andy Huse for a fun romp through Tampa’s history featuring new perspectives on these historic photographs.
September 9 at 10:15 a.m. Florida History & Genealogy Library 900 N. Ashley Drive, Tampa
Learn about the history of the Burgert Brothers; research your original Burgert Brothers prints; tour the Florida History & Genealogy Library; and scan images from the collection for free.
Funded by the Friends of the John F. Germany Public Library.
The Burgert Brothers and You: A Look at Family Land Records September 9 at 11:30 a.m. Florida History & Genealogy Library 900 N. Ashley Drive, Tampa
Learn how photos, city directories, and Sanborn maps can enhance the rich experience of tracking your family land records at the Courthouse. Examples from the Burgert Brothers’ family will be included. Funded by the Friends of the John F. Germany Public Library.
September 16 at 2 p.m. John F. Germany Public Library – Kotler Gallery 900 N. Ashley Drive, Tampa Speakers will address different aspects of the Photographic Collection:
2017 Florida History Speaker Series - In partnership with the USF Special Collections.
Robert Snyder, USF professor and coauthor of the book Pioneer Commercial Photography: The Burgert Brothers, Tampa, Florida, explains how the photos became a significant community resource.
Burgert Brothers Walking Tour of Ybor City
Gary Mormino, USF Professor Emeritus and prolific author, discusses the use of the photographs in newspapers and other publications.
September 15 at 6 p.m. Jose Marti Park 1303 E. 8th Ave., Tampa
Bring Your Burgert to the Library
100th Anniversary Celebration
Bryan Weinstein, creator of the Tampa Changing website, compares current photographs of Tampa structures with Burgert Brothers images.
Emanuel Leto, Director of Marketing at the Tampa Bay History Center, will provide a 90-minute guided tour of Ybor City’s 7th Avenue. Meet at Jose Marti Park at 6 p.m. to begin the eight-stop journey. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes. Limited to 25; register online or by calling (813) 273-3652. In partnership with Tampa Bay History Center.
Delphin Acosta, architectural historian and author, examines the value of the collection from a residential design perspective. Rodney Kite-Powell, historian and curator at the Tampa Bay History Center, looks at life in 1917 through Burgert Brothers photographs. Stay for the celebratory cake cutting.
Funded by the Friends of the John F. Germany Public Library.
Burgert Brothers 100 th Anniversary Gala: Photographs Tell the Story
September 22 at 6 p.m. Plant Hall, The University of Tampa This fundraiser, presented by the Friends of the Library of Tampa-Hillsborough County, Inc. and the Henry B. Plant Museum, will be held at The University of Tampa’s Plant Hall. A reception on the Verandah will be followed by a 1917-inspired dinner in the Grand Salon. Festivities will include an unveiling of the Best of the Burgerts, chosen by a distinguished panel, accompanied by readings of the photographs by community leaders. Hosted by longtime Tampa Tribune columnist Steve Otto. For information on sponsorships, how to donate, or to purchase tickets, contact FOLTampa@gmail.com