Bobby Smith Photograph Collection
The Bobby Smith Photography Collection includes a rare set of images taken by the late Bobby Smith. Smith was co-founder of the Metropolitan Community Church in Tampa and a member of the local LGBTQ+ community and bar scene. Smith’s personal and professional photographs include both portraits and candid shots.
The collection consists of nearly 450 photographs documenting Tampa’s LGBTQ+ communities from the 1950s to the 1970s. Images of popular hang-outs, such as Jack’s Place, the Knotty Pine, Jimmie White's Tavern and the Brass Rail, are included. A portion of the collection has been digitized and are available online.