About the Collection
In 1917, Al and Jean Burgert bought pioneering photographer William A. Fishbaugh’s commercial photographic studio and then opened their own business. In the ensuing decades, the Burgert Brothers Commercial Photography Studio rapidly rose to become Tampa’s premier commercial photographic firm.
Special Thanks
After the Burgert Brothers Studio closed in the mid-60s, their photographs and negatives were stored in a tin-roofed garage. Many negatives were destroyed by heat, humidity, and rain. In 1974, the Friends of the Library recognized the historic significance of the photographic images and purchased the collection for the library. Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library preserved and digitized these priceless images to make them accessible to the public.
More Fun
Participate in our weekly Throwback Thursdays Facebook trivia contest (facebook.com/ TampaHillsLib). The first person to answer the question correctly wins a print copy of the photo! The contest runs through September 28, 2017.
On Display
100th Anniversary
1917: The Year through the Eyes of the Burgert Brothers August 1 – September 17, 2017 John F. Germany Public Library – Kotler Gallery 900 N. Ashley Drive, Tampa This multifaceted exhibit will examine the lives, structures, and events captured by the Burgert Brothers Photographic Studio in its first year of operation, including a display of images and narratives of the Burgert family and information on the other photographers and studios associated with the Burgert Brothers.
Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative (813) 273-3652
I HCPLC.org
Event Guide