Sometimes what seems like a simple choice can change everything.
Henry Plant chose to bring his railroad to Tampa. Certainly you can argue that the small village that was here pre-Henry would have made something of itself. But, it’s hard to imagine the city of Tampa that exits today would be anything close to what it is without Henry having made that choice.
Around 125 years or so after Henry’s choice, I chose to work at the Henry Plant Museum (HPM). My job title was Collection Caretaker and I worked to serve as a steward of the collective cultural heritage that is Henry Plant’s legacy. Cultural heritage can be profound. It can provide perspectives that help you locate your own personal experience relative to history – a sense of one’s own time and place. I know my time at the HPM has certainly changed my perspective on a lot of things. Over time I came to think that maybe my job title should actually be Keeper of the Castle.
Early in life I studied sculpture and I went to school at a time that was informed by a minimal approach – a conceptually clean perspective with little that is decorative or playful. I took it all pretty seriously. Could be that’s why I have found Henry and Margaret Plant’s collection so fun to be around – a clock with a rooster that is wrasslin Puttis (Puttis as I explained in an earlier blog is plural for Putto – those adorable cherubs seen below in a beat down with the rooster!). Or how about an elephant with a big ole cheesy grin – why yes please!


And then there’s this painting that is a depiction from a scene in an opera that was a favorite of Henry’s – over 130 years old now, check out the leering figure over the soldier’s left shoulder – in my mind I have him pegged as “the creep” – the figure over her right shoulder is a pretty interesting looking character as well. Like so many other things in the collection this painting always brings me back to the choices Henry made – his desire to inspire, delight and amuse.


Recently I made a rather difficult choice about being the Keeper of the Castle. I have really loved this job and the people I’ve been able to work with. But you know what, time marches on and sadly there comes a moment when you realize that maybe it’s time for you to march along as well. So, I’ve chosen to retire and I guess that choice will make this my last post.
I’ve really enjoyed sharing some of my experiences with you and I hope the same holds true for you. But more than anything I really hope you choose to cherish the Henry Plant Museum as I have. It’s a rare and unique treasure.
With most sincere regards,
Nora Armstrong
Collection Caretaker
Henry Plant Museum