Mid October to Mid November:
- October 16, 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 wiring the courthouse for electricity. The architectural tour occurs on the third Saturday of each month at 11 a.m.
- October 30, 10:30 a.m., Seven Deadly Sins: Objects of Intrigue within the Collection
- Embrace the spirits of the season and unearth the sins within the everyday objects found in the collection. Presented by J. Lenora Bresler, Daughters of the American Revolution, Museum Corresponding Docent, this unique and light-hearted program looks at artifacts through the themes of envy, gluttony, greed, lust, pride, sloth, and wrath. Based on the 2009 National Daughters of the American Revolution Museum exhibit “Seven Deadly Sins: Fables and Early American Temptations.”
This will be a hybrid presentation, and registration is required. Interested attendees may attend in person at the Polk County History Center (with a limit to 20 people for social distancing) or may participate virtually on Zoom. Contact Jayme Jamison to register, JaymeJamison@polk-county.net or 863-534-4381.
- October 30, 10 a.m., Genealogy Speaker Series: “Researching and Transcribing the Freedmen’s Bureau Digital Records Collection” presented by Hollis Gentry
- Hollis Gentry is a genealogy specialist with the Smithsonian Libraries and Archives, National Museum of African American History and Culture branch where she coordinates genealogy reference and research services. She also serves as the research and content specialist for the Freedmen’s Bureau Digital Records projects. For this month’s program, Gentry will provide an in-depth look at how to research and transcribe these valuable resources that can be found on the Smithsonian’s digital collection.
This is a virtual program and reservations are required. For Zoom details, contact Preston Petermeier at (863) 534-4604 or PrestonPetermeier@polk-county.net
- November 13, 11 a.m., Zoom & Vroom: Notable Neighborhoods: Homesteads and Main Street in Polk County Program presented LIVE on the Polk County Government Facebook page (@polkcountygovfl) and available for replay on the PGTV YouTube page.
Polk’s historic neighborhoods reflect bygone architectural practices that defined the Florida Land Boom. While not everyone needed a 32-room mansion (looking at you Casa de Josefina!), houses both large and small reflected stylings unique to the community and era. Join us as we bounce from craftsman to ranch and everything in between.
This program includes both a virtual component and a self-guided driving tour. Contact Jayme Jamison to find out more information, JaymeJamison@polk-county.net or 863-534-4381
October is Family History Month
Celebrate with your family by taking a trip to the Polk County Historical and Genealogical Library at the Polk County History Center and explore the many resources available to research your family tree, including use of Ancestry.com on library computers. The library is also home to records, documents and photographs that will help you discover the stories behind the names.
SAVE THE DATES!
- Festival of Wreaths Returns to the Polk County History Center, November 12 through December 16
- Herald the arrival of the holiday season at the History Center with the Eleventh Annual Festival of Wreaths. The wreaths will be on display from Nov. 12 until Dec. 16. The Festival will look a little different this year due to COVID-19 protocols, but what will not change is the always colorful and unique wreaths that fill the halls of the History Center and the opportunity to purchase them through the on-line Silent Auction activity.
- Santa’s Coming to Town
- Official notice has been received from the North Pole that Santa will be returning to his study at the Polk County History Center for one-on-one appointments this winter. This is a very busy time of year for Santa and appointments are required in advance.
Appointments are available on Friday, November 19 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. ahead of Bartow’s Magic on Main Street and on Saturday, November 27 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
To schedule an appointment with Santa, please call 863-534-4381. All appointments are 10 minutes in length and include an opportunity to talk with Santa and snag a selfie on your cell phone with the Jolly Old Elf.