February Happenings at the History Center

Learn about the exciting events and programs happening throughout the month!

Happy Birthday Polk County!

Amid a growing desire for self-governance, settlers from Socrum, Fort Fraser and Fort Meade took to the polls in 1860 and elected state representatives sympathetic to dividing portions of Hillsborough and Brevard County into a new political subdivision.


On Jan. 17, 1861, State Representative Joseph Howell submitted legislation to create, from Hillsborough and Brevard County, a new jurisdiction named Polk.

The measure passed the House on Jan. 3 and the Senate on Feb. 8, 1861.


Join us in celebrating 164 years of progress, community and shared history.



Preservation Work at the History Center

Important preservation work continues on the exterior windows of the historic Old Polk County Courthouse. The ongoing work will necessitate that a limited number of exhibitions be closed for extended periods. The History Center is scheduled to remain open for normal operating hours. Exhibit availability may vary based on the progression of the preservation work. Call (863) 534-4386 if you have questions about specific exhibitions. 

Black History Month

Discover the rich heritage of Polk County's Black community at the Polk County History Center. Celebrate Black History with us throughout February! Here's are a few ways you can join in:

All Month

  • Guided Tours: Our knowledgeable staff will provide guides highlighting Black History at the History Center and on the Heritage Trail.


  • Archival Exploration: Dive into the archives of our Historical and Genealogical Library to uncover the stories of Polk County's earliest Black pioneers and communities.


Feb. 1

  • Walking Tour: Join us for a walking tour of the Historic Evergreen and Palm Cemeteries, where history comes alive.


Virtual Experience

  • Explore our curated collection of videos showcasing Black History in Polk County: [View videos here]

Polk Place

Polk Place - History Center February Events with Jayme Jamison

Curator of Education Jayme Jamison joins host Bryan Lacey on Polk Place to go over the events and programs happening in February.

Polk Place - Polk County History Center and Genealogical Library with Shannon Graham

Research and Genealogy Historian Shannon Graham joins host Bryan Lacey on Polk Place from the Polk County History Center and Genealogical Library.

Upcoming Events & Programs

Evergreen Cemetery Tour

9 a.m. | Feb. 1


Join our curator of education on a walking tour of the historic Evergreen Cemetery in Bartow. Designated a Polk County Heritage Site by the Polk County Historical Commission in 2022, the cemetery anchors the legacies of Black pioneers in Polk County who endured enslavement, promoted agriculture and served our nation across several military engagements. Cemetery tours are offered the first Saturday of every month, October through April. 


Participants must enter the cemetery via Highway 60 W., just past the intersection of Baker Avenue and W. Main Street. The cemetery is adjacent to Thunder Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, at 1425 W. Main St., Bartow. A curator will be on-site to provide directions for parking.


Note: The cemetery ground is uneven and visitors are advised to wear appropriate footwear. 

Architectural Tour

11 a.m. | Feb. 15


Join Bartholomew Delcamp, Curator of Collections, as he portrays historic courthouse architect E.C. Hosford on an architectural tour of the History Center. Discover the neoclassical architectural elements that Hosford incorporated in the design that define this iconic Polk County landmark. The tour occurs at 11 a.m. on the third Saturday of each month.



This month, we focus on the unique engineering solutions utilized to complete the construction of the courthouse


Note: The tour is the same day as SYFY Bartow, an event sponsored by Main Street Bartow. Feel free to join the festivities before or after your tour of the History Center. Be advised that crowds will be larger than normal in downtown. 

Genealogy Speaker Series

10 a.m. | Feb. 22


Research Plans and Source Documentation

Presented by Sara Dawson


Join the Polk County History Center for this month's Genealogy Speaker Series. This month we welcome Sara Dawson, a multifaceted professional genealogist, historian, researcher and storyteller. Sara channels her passion into uncovering forgotten narratives connecting people to their past.


Learn how a good research plan can help you organize your genealogy research and stop the “re-do.” Just like planning for a vacation, a genealogy research plan guides and helps you to reach your destination. Whether you have a basic or a complex problem, a research plan can help you prepare for an organized search and keep you from going down the rabbit hole.


This is a virtual program. The presenter will appear virtually. Guests are invited to participate via Zoom. For Zoom details, please contact Research and Genealogy Historian Shannon Graham at (863) 534-4604 or ShannonGraham@polk-county.net.



Stay up to date on meetings and events happening within Polk County.

Polk County Calendar
aerial view of Polk County History Center

Polk County Historical and Genealogical Library


Stop by the History Center to use the vast historical resources of the library to discover your family history. Learn about the towns and families that made this area flourish through a selection of materials related to the history of Polk County and the entire southeast United States. Polk County resources include newspapers, aerial photographs, city directories, property tax rolls, cemetery records and more. Visitors also have free access to Ancestry.com. Contact the library at (863) 534-4604 if you have any questions.


The History Center’s extensive artifact and photograph collection are now available on our website. Visit www.polkhistorycenter.org, select “Historical Museum Collection” and use the keyword search feature.

Digital Collections Online


The Polk County History Center's collection features a variety of materials – documents, photographs, maps, audio/visual media and three-dimensional items. These items are accessible to the public digitally through our inventory database and through specially curated digital albums via CONTENTdm.

Each week a different vintage photograph from the History Center's archives is featured on our social media pages. Check it out and see if you recognize any places or faces.

VISIT OUR WEBSITE

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA:

Polk County Government Facebook
Polk County Instagram
Parks & Recreation Facebook

Polk County History Center

100 E. Main St., Bartow, FL 33830

(863) 534-4386

Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday

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