Harriet Rust (2023) • Cultural & Historical

Harriet Rust, a Polk County native, founded the Davenport Historical Society with then-Mayor Peter Rust (her late husband). The DHS founded the Quilts and Tea Festival that brought together the Davenport School of the Arts, many sewing organizations, local churches, and even visitors from Africa to participate in the artisan event. In addition, DHS also supported the Plein Air initiative that has expanded throughout the county. She and her late husband pioneered the Highwaymen Arts Festival that began in Davenport in 2011 and continues to this day. She also worked closely with Myrtice Young at the Polk History Center to start the Citrus Label Tour.