News Summary
The historical community in Florida mourns the passing of Andrew Thomas Huse, an influential archivist and librarian whose dedication to preserving the state’s history left a lasting impact. Huse, known for his expertise in Florida food culture and social history, was a mentor to many and made significant contributions through his research and publications. His unexpected death at the age of 52 has led colleagues and friends to reflect on his vibrant legacy and the knowledge he shared with others.
Tampa, Florida – The Florida historical community is mourning the loss of esteemed archivist and librarian Andrew Thomas Huse, who passed away on August 20, 2025, at the age of 52. Huse, affectionately known as “Andy,” made significant contributions to the preservation and documentation of Florida’s rich history throughout his career. His unexpected passing has left many friends, colleagues, scholars, and students reflecting on his vibrant personality and legacy.
Born on March 20, 1973, Huse grew up in Pinellas County, specifically in Clearwater and Dunedin. He experienced substantial growth in the Tampa Bay region during the 1980s, which fostered his passion for reading and ultimately shaped his career path. After completing high school, Huse enrolled at the University of South Florida (USF), where he initially pursued a degree in English before transitioning to history. He earned his bachelor’s degree in 1996 and later completed a master’s degree in 2000.
Throughout his academic journey at USF, Huse was guided by professor Gary R. Mormino, who had a profound influence on his research focus. Huse’s studies centered on Florida food culture and Tampa’s social history. His commitment to documenting history extended beyond academia, as he worked as a videographer to capture Mormino’s expertise in Florida history. Over a 20-year tenure as a librarian at USF, Huse played a vital role in preserving diverse collections in both print and digital formats.
Professional Contributions and Achievements
Huse was notably involved with the Florida Studies Center at the Tampa library, which was established in 1998. He began his role as a program assistant dedicated to researching local restaurant history. His contributions to USF’s historical documentation efforts were substantial, including a timeline that was published in a comprehensive book about the university’s history, highlighting significant milestones since its founding.
In 2006, Huse’s diligent research culminated in the publication of the book “University of South Florida: The First Fifty Years, 1956-2006”, co-authored with Mark Greenberg. His academic work also appeared in prestigious journals, including “The Sunland Tribune”, and he authored a series of food-related articles for The Oracle, showcasing his expertise in Tampa’s culinary landscape. Huse was also a co-author of the “The Seabreeze by the Bay Cookbook” published in 2001.
Huse’s dedication to historical preservation was recognized with several noteworthy projects, such as his research on the manor house at Chinsegut Hill, which led to its designation on the National Register of Historic Places. He joined the USF Library faculty in 2005, eventually achieving the position of assistant university librarian for Special Collections. In 2022, he was promoted to Curator of Florida Studies and continued to mentor numerous students through programs such as “Team Archive”, which engaged students in archival management.
Public Engagement and Legacy
Huse actively contributed to the community by judging the Hillsborough County History Fair from 2005 to 2010 and presented his research nationally. He authored several publications centered on Florida’s culinary history, including:
- “The Columbia Restaurant: Celebrating a Century of History, Culture, and Cuisine” (2009)
- “From Saloons to Steak Houses: A History of Tampa” (2020)
- “Tampa: Impressions of an Emigrant” (2020)
- “The Cuban Sandwich: A History in Layers” (2022)
As he was actively working on a history of the Tampa Theatre at the time of his passing, Huse’s legacy continues to resonate within the community. A memorial event titled “Salud and Happy Days: A Commodore Remembrance of Andy Huse” is set for September 12, 2025, at The Commodore in Tampa, accompanied by a private celebration for family and friends.
The historical and academic communities remember Andrew Thomas Huse not only for his scholarly contributions but also for his unwavering passion for history and mentorship, which inspired many throughout his career.
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Additional Resources
- The Gabber: Remembering Andrew Huse
- Wikipedia: Andrew Huse
- USF Oracle: USF Libraries Collection
- Google Search: Ybor City Florida
- Crow’s Nest St. Pete: USF Celebrates Hispanic Heritage
- Google Scholar: Florida Food Culture
- The Gabber: Gulfport Casino Storm Surge
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Florida History
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