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(Bartow, Fla., Jan. 31, 2023) — Journey into Polk history this month at the Polk County History Center. The following programs and events are open to the public and free of charge: Feb. 1 – 28, Black History Month 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. 4: Walking Tour of the Historic Evergreen and Palm Cemeteries Feb. 25: Genealogy Speaker Series – Strategies and Techniques: Reconstructing an African American Family from Slavery to Freedom, presented by Dr. Deborah Abbott Feb. 4, 11 a.m., Evergreen and Palm Cemeteries Tour Join our Curator of Education on a walking tour of the historic Evergreen and Palm Cemeteries in Bartow. Designated a Polk County Heritage Site by the Polk County Historical Commission in 2022, the cemetery anchors the legacies of the Black pioneers in Polk County who endured enslavement, promoted agriculture, and served our nation across several military engagements. Participants must enter the cemetery via Highway 60 West, just past the intersection of Baker Ave. and West Main St. The cemetery is adjacent to Thunder Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, at 1425 W. Main St., Bartow, Florida 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. Feb. 17, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. Polk County Public Schools National History Day 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 (NHD) is a year-long academic program focused on historical research, interpretation, and creative expression for students in grades 6-12. By participating in NHD, students become writers, filmmakers, web designers, playwrights, and artists as they create unique contemporary expressions of history. The experience culminates in a series of contests at the local and affiliate levels, and an annual national competition in the nation's capital in June. This year’s theme is Frontiers in History. While the History Center will remain open during this event, please anticipate large crowds and limited access to some of the exhibitions, including the 1926 Courtroom. Feb. 18, 11 a.m., Architectural Tour Join Curator of Collections Bartholomew Delcamp as he portrays the historic courthouse architect, E.C. Hosford, for an architectural tour of the History Center. Discover the neoclassical architectural elements that Hosford incorporated into the design that defines this iconic Polk County landmark. This month’s focus is on the unique engineering solutions utilized to complete the construction of the courthouse. The architectural tour occurs on the third Saturday of each month at 11 a.m. Please note that this is the same day as SYFY Bartow, an event sponsored by Main Street Bartow. Feel free to join in the 10th anniversary SYFY celebration before or after your tour of the history center, but be advised that crowds will be larger than normal in downtown. Feb. 25, 10 a.m., Genealogy Speaker Series – Strategies and Techniques: Reconstructing an African American Family from Freedom to Slavery, presented by Deborah Abbott, Ph.D. Join the History Center as Deborah Abbott, Ph.D. outlines the methodology used in reconstructing the ancestry and migration of an African American family whose roots reach back to the era of enslavement in Kentucky. Utilizing this case study, Abbott will underscore the significance of using cluster and collateral genealogy research practices to break through brick walls. Additional attention will be given to developing strategies and organizational skills for research and approaches for carefully analyzing documents and local historical resources. Deborah A. Abbott, Ph.D., is a professional genealogist specializing in genealogical methodology, manuscript collections and African American family research. This is a hybrid virtual program. The presenter will appear virtually, but guests are invited to join us at the History Center to participate in the Zoom. For Zoom details, contact Preston Petermeier at (863) 534-4604 or PrestonPetermeier@polk-county.net. Polk Place Stay up to date on the happenings at the History Center, and with heritage partners throughout the county, by tuning into our monthly PGTV-produced segment (https://youtu.be/7oD4wMC70t0 ) For FEBRUARY Polk County Historical and Genealogical Library Stop by the History Center to use the vast historical resources of the library and 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 Preston Petermeier, Research and Genealogy Historian, at 863-534-4604 if you have any questions. Past Perfect Collections Online The History Center has recently made its extensive artifact and photography collection available on our website. Visit the website (polkhistorycenter.org), select “Historical Museum Collection” and use the keyword search feature to find what you are looking for. This project was sponsored by a grant from the Library Services and Technology Act, which was secured by Gladys Roberts, Director of the Polk County Library Cooperative. The Polk County History Center is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday at 100 E. Main St. in Bartow. Visit www.polkhistorycenter.org or call (863) 534-4386 for more information on exhibits and programming. All programs and events are free and open to the public.
(Bartow, Fla., Jan. 31, 2023) — Journey into Polk history this month at the Polk County History Center. The following programs and events are open to the public and free of charge:
While the History Center will remain open during this event, please anticipate large crowds and limited access to some of the exhibitions, including the 1926 Courtroom.
Please note that this is the same day as SYFY Bartow, an event sponsored by Main Street Bartow. Feel free to join in the 10th anniversary SYFY celebration before or after your tour of the history center, but be advised that crowds will be larger than normal in downtown.
This is a hybrid virtual program. The presenter will appear virtually, but guests are invited to join us at the History Center to participate in the Zoom. For Zoom details, contact Preston Petermeier at (863) 534-4604 or PrestonPetermeier@polk-county.net.
Polk Place
This project was sponsored by a grant from the Library Services and Technology Act, which was secured by Gladys Roberts, Director of the Polk County Library Cooperative.
The Polk County History Center is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday at 100 E. Main St. in Bartow. Visit www.polkhistorycenter.org or call (863) 534-4386 for more information on exhibits and programming. All programs and events are free and open to the public.