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Jayme Jamison
Curator of Education and Visitor Engagement
Phone: (863) 534-4381
Email: JaymeJamison@polk-county.net
The study and preservation of history provides a gateway into the human experience. More than a remembrance from where we have come, history functions as a guide to navigating the years ahead. The Polk County History Center is dedicated to enriching the county’s future through tours, programs, activities, lectures and community outreach.
Educational programs and tours designed for classroom students, scouts and other large groups are outlined below.
Please note that there are limitations on group sizes; however, we are happy to design programs that accommodate larger groups across multiple visits or through dual sessions (morning and afternoon visits).
Begin to plan your visit by reviewing the programs offered, then call (863) 534-4381 or JaymeJamison@polk-county.net to book a field trip.
Programs Offered
Regularly Scheduled Programs
The Polk County History Center offers a variety of regularly scheduled programs for audiences of all ages.
Scheduling
- First Saturday of the Month (October-April) – Oak Hill Cemetery Tour
- Tour the historic cemetery listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Reservations are not required interested parties should wear walking shoes and meet at the History Center.
- Third Saturday of the Month – Architectural Tour
- Tour the historic Polk County Courthouse and learn more about the construction and neo-classical design of the building.
- Last Saturday of the Month – Genealogy Speaker Series
- Free virtual programs from January through October featuring different guest speakers and unique genealogy-related topics.
Journeys in Justice
Description
This program is focused on sharing Polk County’s rich judicial history with middle school students and consists of both a field trip and classroom curriculum.
When classes visit the Polk County History Center, they will visit the 1908 court room, participate in a trial simulation and tour several galleries. With an emphasis on constitution, the curriculum explores the role of the courts, the Bill of Rights and subsequent amendments that impact the judicial process.
Participating educators will be provided with additional curricula to extend the learning experience and check for comprehension. These resources are fully digitized and include master copies, answer sheets and a video guide to the courtroom.
Scheduling
- Groups must request a reservation six weeks prior to their intended visit.
- Groups can be no larger than 30 students per visit; multiple visits may be scheduled.
- Content is developed for middle school learners.
Story Seekers
Description
In this program, classes can visit the History Center to explore a thematic selection of exhibits that match their in-class curriculum and discuss careers in historical preservation. Prior to the visit the teacher will coordinate with the Curator of Education and Visitor Engagement to select up to four exhibits for the tour.
Scheduling
- Groups must request a reservation six weeks prior to their intended visit.
- Groups can be no larger than 50 students per visit; multiple visits may be scheduled.
- Content is developed for elementary school learners.
Research 101
Description
In this program, high school and college students are introduced to conducting historical research utilizing the primary resources at the Polk County History Center. This program is ideal for students participating in National History Day, debate team, model legislature, model United Nations or in a course of study related to historical research.
Scheduling
- Groups must request a reservation four weeks prior to their intended visit.
- Groups can be no larger than 15 students per visit; multiple visits may be scheduled.
- Content is designed for middle school to college-level learners.
Polk Heritage Classroom
Description
The Polk Heritage Classroom is a digital resource focusing on Polk County history and includes three video episodes:
- Episode 1 – The Seminoles
- Episode 2 – Polk’s Cattle Industry
- Episode 3 – Polk County Railroads
Oak Hill Cemetery Tours
Offered October through April. No summer tours available.
Description
Learn about historic Oak Hill Cemetery and those interred within. The tour starts at the History Center with a short one-mile walk that includes historic landmarks along the route. It includes discussion on traditional burial practices, impact of the medical revolution and pioneers of Polk County. Oak Hill Cemetery was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2003 with the earliest recorded burial dating to 1860.
Scheduling
- Groups must request a reservation four weeks prior to their intended visit.
- Groups can be no larger than 15 students per visit; multiple visits may be scheduled.
- Content is developed for middle school to college-level learners.
- This program is also offered on the first Saturday of each month at 11:00 a.m.
Architectural Tour
Description
Discover the history behind the founding of the county and the design of the brilliant 1908 Courthouse. With a nod to its two predecessors, this tour explores the design, construction and function of the courthouse. The tour incorporates cross-curricular themes in history and fine arts.
Scheduling
- Groups must request a reservation four weeks prior to their intended visit.
- Groups can be no larger than 15 students per visit; multiple visits may be scheduled.
- Content is developed for middle school to college-level learners.
- This program is also offered on the third Saturday of each month at 11:00 a.m.
History and Heritage Trail
The Polk County Heritage Trail and Citrus Crate Label Tour is open for those who are interested in traveling into Polk County’s rich history. The Heritage Trail will help you navigate Polk County to explore more than 150 years of Polk history and culture. Stops along the brochure’s guided tour include historic homes, vintage hotels, museums and much more. From the architecture of Gene Leedy and Frank Lloyd Wright to Civil War battles, this tour has it all.