Tampa and the greater Tampa bay region has an extraordinary archive that chronicles the development of the region from the late 1800's until the 1960's.  The archive is the Burgert Brothers Photgraphic Collection  maintained by Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative.  These images can be accessed via the web link or you can search through the archive by visiting the John F. Germany Public Library located on Ashley St. in downtown Tampa.  The collection contains nearly 15,000 images that captures the history of the Tampa Bay area.  From the grand homes to the modest, from downtown development to outlying commercial areas, cultural events and more were captured by the Burgert brothers during the years.  The 15,000 images that have so far been restored and preserved are but a fraction of the nearly 80,000 images taken by S.P. Burgert, and later his son's, Jean and Al Burgert.  Few communities have access to such an extensive history of the development of community and region.

Since I specialize in older historic neighborhoods in Tampa,  a link to this collection is featured prominently on the community links page of my website.  If you like history, historic architecture, or just searching to see images of your neighborhood or current home, this is a great site.

It is certainly one of the more popular links on my website.

Rick Fifer, Realtor

Your source for historic Tampa homes

http://www.athomeintheheights.com/