Sacred Heart Historical Society

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An outreach ministry that studies and communicates the storied history of our parish from its beginning in 1859, with the accent on how it grew in service and influence in south Florida.

The Historical Society provides series of free, hour-long walking tours on the second Sunday of each month from September to June (subject to feast and holy days) following the conclusion of the noon Mass. Additionally, a special 1905 Christmas Tour in period dress is a holiday tradition. Tours are also provided to groups by special request.

In addition to assisting staff and clergy with historical initiatives, the Historical Society also collaborates with other ministries to serve our mutual goals.

If you are interested in joining the Historical Society as a docent, historian, or archivist, please email the group.

Click here to View the Historical Society’s 2024 Tour Calendar:

Below is the schedule of tours and topics on offer from our Historical Society for 2024. The experience immediately follows the Sunday noon Mass (unless otherwise listed) and is free, though donations are accepted, with proceeds funding maintenance and restoration of the church. 

      • January 14 | Parish Origins
      • February 11 | Architecture & The Altar
      • March 10 | Stained Glass Windows
      • April 7 | The Organ
      • May 5 | Symbolism in Our Church
      • September 8 | Parish Origins/Architecture & The Altar
      • October 13 | Symbolism in Our Church
      • November 10 | Angels of Sacred Heart
      • December 8 | Stained Glass Windows
      • December 26 | Annual Christmas Tour (3 p.m.)
Historic Christmas Tour of Sacred Heart Church | December 26

Join the Docents of Sacred Heart the day after Christmas for an historic themed tour of our Church. Decorated splendidly for the Christmas season, including the historic “creche”, the tour of the church will include multiple stations featuring our docents, in period dress, and special guests explaining extraordinary features of the church including:

— the motivation behind the significant donation of the altar and altar rail
— unique architecture and design elements
— original relics that were obtained for the dedication of the church in 1905
— memorial stained glass windows
— renovations to improve and sustain our church

Learn about these and so many more interesting aspects of this ecclesiastical jewel of downtown Tampa. As always, docent-led lecture and tours are free, and open to the public.

A reception with light refreshments will follow the tour in St. Francis Hall.

Donations are gratefully accepted and used to continue the renovation and restoration of the church.

Watch a Recap of the 2023 Christmas Tour from Fox 13 Tampa Bay:


Fr. Mike Jones, OFM
Staff Liaison

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