The Polk County History Center is teaming with the City of Bartow and the Bartow Community Redevelopment Agency to introduce an outdoor walking tour/exhibit to celebrate the upcoming 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. “America250,” as the anniversary is known, will occur on July 4, 2026.
Polk County’s exhibit – “One Nation, Many Stories: Polk County” – will be located at the Bartow Civic Plaza, 200 E. Davidson St., which is adjacent to the History Center in downtown Bartow.
A dedication is scheduled for 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 17, at the Bartow Civic Plaza. The public is invited.
“This is a great way to commemorate the signing of the Declaration of Independence,” said Myrtice Young, Historic Preservation Manager at the History Center. “The Bartow Civic Plaza draws visitors for picnics and relaxation on a daily basis, and ‘One Nation, Many Stories: Polk County’ will allow us to bring a little bit of history to people outside the History Center’s walls. People will be able to soak up the sun and some history.”
“One Nation, Many Stories: Polk County” will consist of:
- Sixteen unique lamp post banners, each with unique thematic elements and vibrant colors.
- Sixteen unique digital exhibitions, each expanding on the thematic elements represented by the banner and including visual elements such as historic images and a variety of video content.
- An engaging timeline that specifically celebrates “America250” and prompts visitors to theorize how they will leave a mark on American history.
The September 17 dedication, meanwhile, will include:
- Greetings and a welcome from the partners.
- A history presentation with J. Lenora Bresler, entitled “Their Lives, Fortunes and Sacred Honor.”
- A ceremonial bell ringing to celebrate the U.S. Constitution.