Polk County History Center

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Click Here for the History Center Contact Information

Myrtice Young
Historic Preservation Manager

Phone: (863) 534-4386
Toll Free: (800) 780-5346

Email: MyrticeYoung@polk-county.net

Address:
100 E. Main St.
Bartow, FL 33830

Office Hours of Operation:
Tuesday through Saturday:
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Polk County History Center Closed Through July 15

Polk County History Center under preservation renovation After significant effort to remain open while undergoing renovation, History Center will temporarily close the building to the public, beginning Tuesday, March 4 and reopen July 15.

Though the building will be closed, work continues for History Center staff. Programming will continue with emphasis on digital and off-site collaborations. Historical inquiries continue to be answered via email and phone, and staff will remain available to review and receive artifact donations.

Please refer to our website and Polk County Government social media channels for exhibit updates and other history center news.

Call (863) 534-4386 for more information.

Third Annual Festival of Writing

The History Center is proud to announce the third annual Festival of Writing.

Residents and visitors can view the Festival of Writing exhibit in the main lobby of the Polk County Administration Building located at 330 W. Church St. in Bartow during business hours. The exhibit will remain on display through the month of March, while the Polk County History Center undergoes restoration.

The third annual Festival of Writing features the work of creative writing and graphic design students from Southeastern University in Polk County. This unique partnership showcases the students’ abilities to interpret Polk County’s history in an artistic medium, and fosters important collaborative skills, which are essential to future success.

What was once the Polk County Courthouse now serves as the Polk County History Center, home of the historical museum and library.

The museum serves Polk’s community through educational programs, special events and volunteer opportunities. The museum’s exhibits and programs continue to grow and there is always something new to discover.

The museum collection includes natural and cultural objects related to Polk and the greater Central Florida area that represent our history from pre-Columbian to present day eras. The artifacts on display at the museum represent individuals, cultural groups and events significant to the region.

Ongoing exhibitions feature artifacts on display that include:

The Polk County History Center is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums.

Polk County History Center’s Mission Statement: To educate and inspire through the procurement, preservation and interpretation of historical objects and data illustrative of, and relating to, Polk County.

Resources

Historical Museum Collection