February Happenings at the History Center

Upcoming Events and Programs

Black History Month

Feb. 1 to 28

Visit the Polk County History Center and discover the rich heritage of Polk County’s Black community. History Center staff will provide interested guests with a guide to Black History at the History Center and on the Heritage Trail.

Celebrate Black History in Polk County with the Polk County History Center:

Feb. 7:

Walking Tour of the Historic Evergreen and Palm Cemeteries.

All Month:

Explore the archives in the Historical and Genealogical Library and discover the stories of Polk’s earliest Black pioneers and communities.

Virtual:

Explore our online collection of videos highlighting Black History in Polk County.

View Black History Videos

Evergreen Cemetery Tour

9 a.m. on Feb. 7

Join our cultural resources coordinator 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. Tours are free and reservations are not required.

Participants must enter the cemetery via U.S. Highway 60 W., just past the intersection of Baker Avenue and West Main Street. The cemetery is across the street from Thunder Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram at 1425 W. Main St., Bartow, FL 33830. A curator will be on site to provide directions for parking. The cemetery ground is uneven, and visitors are advised to wear appropriate footwear.

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

Polk County’s 165th Anniversary

Feb. 8

Join us in celebrating the 165th anniversary of the establishment of Polk County. This anniversary offers an opportunity to reflect on the county’s early communities, the residents who sought greater self‑governance and the moment Polk officially became a county on Feb. 8, 1861.

From its earliest settlements to the thriving communities that make up Polk County today, this milestone celebrates the people, places and history that shaped the county over more than a century and a half.

Polk County History Day

8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Feb. 13

The Polk County History Center will host the Polk County Public Schools for the annual National History Day event.

Founded in 1974, National History Day is a yearlong academic program that promotes historical research, interpretation and creative expression for students in grades 6–12. Participants develop projects as writers, filmmakers, web designers, playwrights and artists, creating contemporary interpretations of history.

The program culminates in contests at the local and affiliate levels and a national competition held each June in Washington, D.C. This year’s theme is “Revolution, Reaction, Reform in History.”

The History Center will remain open during the event, but visitors should expect larger crowds and limited access to some exhibitions, including the 1926 Courtroom.

Architectural Tour

11 a.m. on Feb. 21

Join the Polk County History Center’s education team on an architectural tour of the Polk County History Center. Discover the neoclassical architectural elements that historic courthouse architect E.C. Hosford incorporated in the design which defines this iconic Polk County landmark. The tour begins at 11 a.m. on the third Saturday of each month at the Polk County History Center, 100 E. Main St. in Bartow. Tours are free and reservations are not required.

This month will focus on the Greco-Roman columns that are representative of the Beaux Arts influence in the original design.

Genealogy Speaker Series

10 a.m. on Feb. 28

Read All About It! Newspapers and Genealogy

presentation by Mark Mullinax

Newspapers can be one of the most valuable resources for a genealogist, offering rich details and personal stories that go far beyond names and dates. Learn how historical newspapers can strengthen your research, reveal new insights about your ancestors and even help you break through a long‑standing brick wall.

About the speaker:

Mark Mullinax is a professional genealogist with more than 40 years of experience in family history research. He has contributed to multiple family history books and written articles for a range of magazines and newsletters.

Mullinax is a member of several professional organizations, including the National Genealogical Society and the Genealogical Speakers Guild. He retired in 2023 from the Brighton District Library in Michigan, where he served as the Genealogy and Local History Librarian. He now divides his time between Traverse City and Florida, where he is active in a 700‑member genealogy club and leads a Breaking Brick Walls research group.

The speaker will appear virtually via Zoom.

Guests are invited to participate via Zoom or in person at the Polk County History Center, 100 E. Main St. in Bartow. For additional information please contact Shannon Graham, Research and Genealogy Historian by calling (863) 534-4604 or e-mail ShannonGraham@polkfl.gov.

Watch Now: Polk Place

Polk Place - History Center February 2026 Update with Jayme Jamison

February Events and Programs

Jayme Jamison joins host Bryan Lacey on Polk Place to talk about events and programs happening in February.

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

Historical and Genealogical Library Update

Shannon Graham shares updates about the library and Genealogy Speaker Series on Polk Place.

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

Polk County Events Calendar

Polk County Meetings Calendar

Featured Exhibit

Featured Exhibit: Origins of Polk County

The Formation of Local Government

Polk County was established by the Florida Legislature on Feb. 8, 1861. On April 13 of that year, voters in the Fort Fraser, Fort Meade and Socrum districts cast 136 ballots to elect nine county officials and select a county seat.

In 1998, Polk County voters approved a county charter outlining the structure, powers and functions of county government. Last amended on Nov. 8, 2022, the charter includes eight articles defining the responsibilities of the Board of County Commissioners as the county’s legislative and administrative body, as well as the powers reserved to residents. Want to dive deeper into Polk County’s past? Stop by the History Center and explore the history firsthand.

Polk County Historical and Genealogical Library

aerial view of Polk County History Center

Stop by the History Center to use the vast historical resources of the library to discover your family history. Learn about the towns and the 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.

Our dedicated library staff are available to assist you. To start your request, contact Research Historian Shannon Graham by phone at (863) 534-4604 or e-mail ShannonGraham@polk-county.net.

Digital Collections Online

The Polk County History Center’s digital collection offers a wide range of materials, including images of artifacts from the physical collection, newsletters, yearbooks, family Bibles, maps, aerial photographs, film and print photographs.

The digital archive continues to grow and evolve, providing users with fresh and engaging content.

View Polk County History Center Digital Collections

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

Polk County Facebook

Polk County Instagram

Parks and Recreation

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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