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Bartow, Fla (August 1, 2022) -- 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:

• Aug. 11, 2:30 p.m. – Polk County Historical Commission and Marker Committee Meeting

• 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.

• Aug. 16, Noon, Lunch & Learn: Florida’s Prehistoric Heritage with David Letasi
• Learn how paleontologists discovered Florida’s prehistoric past. Using actual fossils, David Letasi will examine the history of early marine and terrestrial vertebrate fossil sites and unique relics found over the last century. Bring your own found objects and receive guidance on how to discover more about its past.

Letasi has been interested in fossils and prehistoric history since he was 8 years old and has accumulated more than 60 years of experience searching for fossils all over North America and Asia. By 12, he had discovered three archeological sites that are recorded in the Michigan State Archeological Site Survey. In addition to dinosaurs, Letasi has studied prehistoric man, ancient world history and archeology. While working with the Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) in Tampa, he led fossil-collecting trips to Polk County.

This is an in-person program; reservations are not required. Arrive early to get a great seat and don’t forget to bring a lunch. Questions or concerns, please contact the History Center at (863) 534-4386.

• Aug. 20, 11 a.m., Architectural Tour

• Join us for an architectural tour of the History Center and discover the neoclassical architectural elements that define this iconic Polk County landmark. This month, we focus on the original floor plan and where offices such as the Tax Assessor and Licensing were in the building. The architectural tour occurs at 11 a.m. on the third Saturday of each month.

• Aug. 27, 10 a.m., Genealogy Speaker Series A Virtual Tour of the Florida History & Genealogy Library – Presented by John F. Germany Librarian Crystal Sidell

• Join us as Crystal Sidell takes us on a virtual tour of the Florida History & Genealogy Library, where you will learn what print and electronic resources are available to genealogists and why researchers travel far and wide to access these materials. 

Ms. Sidell has worked at the John F. Germany Library since 2019 and currently acts as the materials selector for the Genealogy Collection of the Florida History & Genealogy Library.

Reservations are required. For Zoom details, contact Preston Petermeier at (863) 534-4604 or PrestonPetermeier@polk-county.net

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.