May Happenings at the History Center

(Bartow, Fla., March 28, 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:

• May 4, 2:30 p.m.: Polk County Historical Commission Meeting and Marker Committee Meeting
  • The Polk County Historical Commission and Marker Committee will meet in the Boardroom at the County Administration Building, 330 West Church St., Bartow. Meetings are open to the public.

• May 13, 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. Exhibit Opening and Tour, “Memories of Bone Valley” by Ed Fortner 
  • Celebrate the opening of the History Center’s newest exhibit, “Memories of Bone Valley.” This exhibition features 27 original works by James Edward Fortner (1910-1990), who was born and raised in the Polk County phosphate communities of Pierce and Brewster. Composed of striking forms and a style that evokes movement and intrigue, the works represent the day-to-day life of the men and families who grew up in Bone Valley and along the South Prong of the Alafia River. 

• • The opening will feature light refreshments followed by remarks on the history and significance of the works. It will conclude with a ribbon-cutting and a curated tour of the gallery. RSVP is encouraged but not required. Please call the Polk County History Center at (863) 534-4386 with inquiries or to RSVP.

• May 20, 11:00 a.m.: Architectural Tour
  • Join History Center Curator of Collections Bartholomew Delcamp 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 into the design of this iconic Polk County landmark. This month’s focus is on the historic windows in the 1908 and 1926 portions of the courthouse. The architectural tour occurs on the third Saturday of each month at 11:00 a.m.

• May 27, 10:00 a.m.: Genealogy Speaker Series "Scots-Irish Immigration to South Carolina in the 18th Century" by Jeffrey Castle
  • Scots-Irish or Ulster-Scots were people of Scottish descent who lived in Northern Ireland as a result of the Plantation of Ulster by England in the 1600s. During the 1700s, hundreds of thousands of these Scots-Irish made their way to America, and specifically to South Carolina, in search of religious freedom and chasing the promise of free land. This presentation will explain why this group left Northern Ireland in such great numbers and how their ideals shaped our nation. The presenter will appear virtually. Guests are invited to attend at the History Center or to participate via Zoom. For Zoom details, contact Preston Petermeier at (863) 534-4604 or PrestonPetermeier@polk-county.net.

The Polk County History Center is open from 9 a.m. - 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.