January Happenings at the History Center

The History Center will be closed on Jan. 1 in observance of New Years Day

Upcoming Events and Programs

Polk County Historical Commission and Marker Committee Meeting

2:30 p.m. on Jan. 8

The Polk County Historical Commission and Marker Committee will meet in the Boardroom at the Polk County Administration Building, 330 W. Church St., Bartow. The meetings are open to the public.

Oak Hill Cemetery Tour

9 a.m. on Jan. 3

Join our cultural resources coordinator on a walking tour of the historic Oak Hill Cemetery in Bartow. Listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, the cemetery is awash with the memory of Polk pioneers beneath a canopy of live oak trees.

The tour starts at the History Center with a short walk of approximately one mile and includes historic landmarks along the route to the cemetery. Cemetery tours are offered the first Saturday of every month, October through April.

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

Polk County History Center Architectural Tour

The Historic Courthouse Architectural Tour

11 a.m. on Jan. 17

Join our cultural resources coordinator on an architectural tour of the 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.

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 Jan. 31

Enriching Your Family History Through Pictures and Stories

What makes an enriching family history? Photographs and personal stories provide depth and connection to the past. This session explores how images and narratives can enrich your understanding of your heritage. Attendees will learn where to find old family photos, how to uncover stories about ancestors and which well‑known and lesser‑known websites and research techniques can help.

About the speaker:

Amie Bowser Tennant has been passionate about family history for nearly 20 years. She shares her expertise with genealogical groups across the United States and has been published in genealogy outlets including NGS Magazine, OGS Quarterly, the OGS News and several internationally recognized blogs.

Guests are invited to participate in person at the History Center or via Zoom.

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 January 2026 Update with Jayme Jamison

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

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

Polk County Events Calendar

Polk County Meetings Calendar

Featured Exhibit

Polk County Citrus Exhibit

Polk County has long been at the heart of one of Florida’s most influential agricultural industries: citrus. The state’s citrus story dates back to the 1500s, when Spanish explorers carried oranges aboard their ships to prevent scurvy. Seeds from that fruit took root in Florida’s soil, laying the foundation for what would become a thriving commercial crop.

Over the centuries, cultivation and production methods have evolved, but citrus has remained a cornerstone of Florida agriculture, growing into a multibillion‑dollar industry.

Visitors can explore the History Center’s Polk Citrus exhibit to learn how citrus was grown, harvested and shipped throughout the region’s history. The exhibit also highlights the marketing behind iconic Florida citrus brands, including the beloved Orange Bird.

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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