Picture Polk History
Picture Polk History was a photography contest sponsored by the History Center to celebrate the launch of the History & Heritage Guide to Polk County brochure. The photographs submitted during the contest show the history and heritage sites on the Polk heritage trail. Explore Polk’s historical sites through these distinctive images of the county’s unique, historic buildings, […]
Old County Courthouse Architectural Tour
Explore the courthouse and learn more about Neo-Classical architecture with our new architectural tour. The Old Polk County Courthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places on August 7, 1989. In honor of our 25th anniversary, we will be offering a family version of our new architectural tour as part of Throwback Thursdays […]
Lunch and Learn- Finding the Fountain of Youth: Discovering Florida’s Magical Waters
Presented by Rick Kilby. Join Rick Kilby as he explores the legacy of Ponce de Leon’s search for the legendary Fountain of Youth in Florida. Through postcards, vintage advertisements, photos and other ephemera, we find an image of Florida over the years as a rejuvenating paradise. Kilby is a graphic designer and author. His book, “Finding the Fountain of Youth: Ponce de León and […]
Family Fun Day: Back to School Ag-Venture
Back to School Ag-Venture In partnership with the University of Florida/IFAS Extension Saturday, August 9, 2014 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Journey through Polk County’s history – from cattle to citrus – and learn about fun fitness and healthy food ideas. Practice barnyard yoga and try your hand at making refreshing fruit kabobs. Free back-to-school items will be given to […]
Old County Courthouse Architectural Tour
August 7 at 11 a.m. Explore the courthouse and learn more about Neo-Classical architecture with our new architectural tour. The Old Polk County Courthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places on August 7, 1989. In honor of our 25th anniversary, we will be offering a family version of our new architectural tour as […]
Historic Oak Hill Cemetery Tour
A walking tour of the historic Oak Hill Cemetery starts at the History Center in Bartow on the first Saturday of each month at 11am. Many pioneer families are buried in this cemetery, including Civil War veterans Jacob Summerlin and Gen. Evander M. Law.
History Center Book Club
August 5 and August 12, 12:15 – 1 p.m.: Book Club Bring your lunch and join the History Center for Book Club. In August, you will have an opportunity to participate in a reading of Zora Neale Hurston’s unpublished play, “Polk County.” This comedy takes place in the sawmill camp of Lofton Lumber Company. When […]
Exhibits Coinciding with the 150th Anniversary of the American Civil War
Two Polk County History Center Civil War Exhibits continue through April 2015. “Defending the Boundaries of Wilderness,” examines how men from Polk County fought on both sides of the Civil War. Uncover the histories of the Cow Cavalry, the South Florida Bulldogs, Union troops, and Colored Units who lived, fought, or settled in Polk County. “Living on the […]
Picture Polk History Photography Contest
Deadline: All entries must be submitted to the Polk County History Center by May 3, 2014. Share your favorite historic and heritage sites by participating in the Picture Polk History photography contest. Polk County History Center is pleased to announce ‘Picture Polk History’ a photography contest open to amateur photographers only. Cash prizes will be […]
Co-Author Discusses the book, Bok Tower Gardens: America’s Taj Mahal, and His Connection to Frank Lloyd Wright
Kenneth Treister, co-author of the recently released Bok Tower Gardens: America’s Taj Mahal, will discuss the book and his connection to Frank Lloyd Wright during a brunch in the President’s Dining Room at Lakeland’s Florida Southern College on March 23 at 10 a.m. Treister is an architect, author and artist. He has produced four documentaries and has […]
