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December Happenings at the History Center

Published on Nov 30, 2022

Bartow, Fla (November 30, 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:

  • December 1 - 13 – Festival of Wreaths
    • Herald the arrival of the holiday season at the History Center with the 12th Annual Festival of Wreaths and Silent Auction activity.  The wreaths will be on display until Dec. 13, when high bidders will begin picking up the wreaths to decorate their homes. Go to www.polkhistorycenter.org and click on the Festival of Wreaths Graphic to place a bid.
  • December 3, 11 a.m. – Oak Hill Cemetery Tour
    • Join Jayme Jamison, Curator of Education and Visitor Engagement, for a guided tour of Bartow’s historic Oak Hill Cemetery. Discover forms of funerary art that date back to the 1860s and meet the prominent Polk Countians buried at the site, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
  • December 3, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Selfies with Santa
    • Santa Claus and his elves will be in his study at the History Center for “Selfies with Santa.” Reservations are required.  Contact the museum to reserve your space. Call 863-534-4386 or email jaymejamison@polk-county.net. 
  • December 17, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Selfies with Santa.
    • Santa Claus and his elves will be in his study at the History Center for “Selfies with Santa.” Reservations are required.  Contact the museum to reserve your space. Call 863-534-4386 or email jaymejamison@polk-county.net. 
  • December 17, 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’s focus is on the fireplaces included in the original floorplan. The architectural tour occurs on the third Saturday of each month at 11 a.m.

  • Holiday History Center Closures: 
    • Christmas – December 23 and 24

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.