The Polk County Historical Museum opened its doors on September 19, 1998, in the Old Polk County Courthouse, located in downtown Bartow. The Museum serves the Polk County Community through special events, volunteer opportunities, and educational programs. The Museum exhibits and programs continue to grow and change as new information and artifacts become available.
Museum Information & Fees
Location
The museum is located in downtown Bartow at:
100 East Main Street
Bartow, Florida 33830
Hours of Operation
Tuesday - Friday 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.
Saturday 9:00 A.M. - 3:00 P.M.
Closed Sundays & Mondays
In 2009 the museum will also be CLOSED on the additional days listed below:
- Thursday, January 1 - New Years Day Observance
- Tuesday, January 20 - Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Observance
- Tuesday, May 26 - Memorial Day Observance
- Saturday, July 4 - Independence Day
- Tuesday, September 8 - Labor Day Observance
- Wednesday, November 11 - Veteran's Day Observance
- Thursday & Friday, November 26 & 27 - Thanksgiving
- Thursday & Friday, December 24 & 25 - Christmas Holidays
In 2010 the museum will also be CLOSED on the additional days listed below:
- Friday, January 1 - New Years Day Observance
- Tuesday, January 19 - Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Observance
- Tuesday, June 1 - Memorial Day Observance
- Tuesday, July 6 - Independence Day
- Tuesday, September 7 - Labor Day Observance
- Thursday, November 11 - Veteran's Day Observance
- Thursday & Friday, November 25 & 26 - Thanksgiving
- Friday & Saturday, December 24 & 25 - Christmas Holidays
Admission Fee
Admission to the museum is FREE to the public.
Education / School Program
The Historical Museum features a guided tour through the museums exhibits. The program takes students through museum exhibits in a team learning exercise that will uncover information about Polk County and Florida history. For more information about this service please see the School Program page.
Rental Information
The Historical Museum is an extraordinary venue for hosting group functions such as; conferences, weddings, receptions, or meetings. For more information about this service please see the Museum Rentals page or download the 
Historical Museum Rental Brochure
Volunteer Opportunities
Get involved with the museum by volunteering. The museum currently has several opportunities available to assist with organizing collections and greeting visitors. View a list of current opportunities.
Exhibits.jpg "Image Icon for Museum Exhibits")
The Polk County Historical Museum collection includes natural and cultural objects related to Polk County and the greater Central Florida area that represent our history from pre-Columbian to present day eras. For more information about the exhibitions or to view the virtual tour, please see the Museum Exhibitions page. For a list of special events and temporary exhibits at the museum click here Museum Exhibitions
Polk's General Store Gift Shop
The Historical Museum’s Gift Shop offers a wide variety of books, specialty food items, and souvenirs. These items can be ordered online. If you wish to order an item from the General Store please follow the ordering instructions listed below.
Right now, take advantage of our SALE ITEMS - many items have recently been reduced.
Store Items Available Online
Ordering Instructions
- Download the Online Ordering Form
- Mail in the form with a check or money order to:
Polk's General Store
Polk County Historical Museum
100 East Main Street
Bartow, Florida 33830
Items will ship upon receipt of payment. Please allow 5-7 business days for shipping. There is a $5.95 shipping and handling charge applied to the order. You may also purchase package insurance for an additional $1.35.
Have Questions?
For more information about the Polk County Historical Museum please contact us by email, phone (863) 534-4386 or toll free 1-800-780-5346 ext.4386; or fax (863) 534-4387. The Museum hours are Tuesday-Friday between 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M; or Saturday 9:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. (excluding holidays).