Preserve/Present/Interpret
Plant City Janie L. Bing Rooming House, a National Historical Site anchoring the Laura Street Restoration District is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, primarily for its role as a domestic hotel for people of color during the period of segregation. The hotel operated from 1928 through 1975 with the addition of the Seminole Restaurant in 1931. The facility, which is located at 205 South Allen Street, Plant City, Florida now operates as a museum to emphasize the Plant City community’s triumph over segregation.
The museum strives to accurately interpret, present and preserve Plant City’s African American history from an African American perspective. Displays of artifacts, storyboards, and written documents help both American and international visitors better understand the experiences of African Americans during the segregation era. The Bing Rooming House Museum is dedicated to collecting and preserving the history of African American culture and lifestyle during this period.
~The Bing Rooming House Museum is at the forefront of diversity, thought and content here in Plant City, Florida~ and within walking distance of Plant City's Historic Downtown, New Midtown and Plant City Photo Archives & History Center.
BING MUSEUM HOURS OF OPERATION- Extended Hours during Black History Month (February 2019). Monday thru Friday 830am to 500pm. Closed on Wednesdays.
Application for Taste of Laura Street // Event Flyer // Event Description.
Bing Family
Janie Wheeler Bing was born December 2, 1889 in Rochelle, Florida. She moved to Plant City and married Elijah L. Bing in 1917. The house was built in 1928 and operated until 1975. The exhibit showcases Bing descendants to include James Washington, and E.L. Bing Jr.
Marshall High
This exhibit features the legacy of Marshall High School. Named after Edward Jackson Marshall, this school began as Midway Academy serving grades 1-8 in 1936, it converted to a high school in 1951 and closing in 1969. The school currently serves as a middle school.
Laura Street
This exhibit features the Historic Laura Street African American Business District. Known as the Hillsborough County's Black Wall Street, the area thrived with businesses ranging from restaurants, rooming houses, movie theaters, and stores from 1917 to 1977.
Story Tellers
The James Washington Oral History Exhibit contains a lists of video interviews of residents who give their personal perspective of historic events, and stories of how their families persevered over segregation and civil rights struggle.
Plant City Selfie Tour
There are over 25 sites, structures and businesses as it relates to African American History right here in the Greater Plant City area within a 10 square mile radius.
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Events
There numerous events that take place at the Bing House Museum. Groups like MAKE Plant City, Business After Hours, local author book signings and Marshall Alumni.
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A Taste of Laura Street
FOOD~FORKS~FUN - A food tasting experience that showcases the unique entree and side dishes that made Laura Street famous. The public judges on best of class.
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Plant City MLK Fest
This Annual Festival highlights the social and economic prosperity driven by the African American Community in the Greater Plant City area and surrounding Eastern Hillsborough County.
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