St. Petersburg, Fla. – A 1939 historic home on First Avenue North has been transformed into the Museum of Haunted History, a new cultural attraction that showcases regional spirit stories and preserves local architectural heritage.
Founder’s vision
Professor and paranormal investigator Brandy Stark founded the museum to educate the public about Tampa Bay’s rich folklore. “It’s a form of education and learning,” Stark said. “You don’t have to believe in spirits to study haunted history; we’re sharing the lore and the legends of real historical people.”
Collections and exhibits
The museum’s rooms are filled with historic artifacts, including an antique wedding dress named Irene and a painting by late local artist Thomas “Thom” Street. Stark’s wife contributed a nude artwork by Street after rumors that the artist’s spirit haunted his murals.
A hearse parked outside offers the only exterior hint of the unusual collection inside. Inside, visitors can explore a designated doll display space and other rooms while using electromagnetic field detection meters to engage with the environment.
Reported spirit presences
Stark reports two spirit presences, William and Edna, are associated with the house. She noted a lingering scent of 1950s floral‑scented talcum powder in a closet where Edna is believed to spend time. All figures in the doll room are described as positive and friendly spirits.
Visiting hours and upcoming plans
Currently, the museum welcomes guests on Fridays and Saturdays from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., with additional hours by request. In December, the schedule will shift to 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Stark plans to expand the collection with artifacts from across Pinellas County and to offer respectful overnight investigations once the full grand opening, slated for February, is confirmed.
Connecting community and heritage
Beyond the spirit stories, Stark emphasizes the museum’s role in preserving local architecture and cultural landmarks. She cites examples such as the historic Palladium and St. Nicholas Orthodox Church in Tarpon Springs, noting that items from those sites are now part of the exhibit.
“I can talk about the history of the Palladium and how it transformed, or St. Nicholas Church,” Stark explained. “Some of the furniture we have came from a local investigation in Pinellas Point.”
Future investigations
Stark has received increasing interest in paranormal investigations, including inquiries about sites like the Cordova, the Jack Kerouac house, and the 1953 FloridaRAMA building. She anticipates a busy schedule of research and public events as the museum continues to grow.
For more information or to request a private tour, visitors can contact the museum directly through its website or social media channels.
Original reporting: Tampa Bay Florida News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
