July Happenings at the History Center
Bartow, Fla (June 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:
- July 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, we focus on the fireproof windows installed during the 1926 expansion. The architectural tour occurs at 11 a.m. the third Saturday of each month.
- July 19, noon – Lunch & Learn: “Curating the 9/11 Coalition,” by Rear Admiral Adrian “AJ” Jackson, United States Navy Reserve (Retired)
- Join us as we unveil a new exhibit dedicated to the War on Terror and the experiences of Bartowan, AJ Jackson while serving alongside the Senior National Representatives of Coalition Forces at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa.
Rear Admiral Adrian “AJ” Jackson of Bartow entered the United States Navy’s Aviation Officer Candidate School in 1970 and was designated a Naval Aviator in February 1972. Transitioning to the Naval Reserve in 1978, Jackson was assigned to U.S. Central Command at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa in 2001 as the deputy director (Reserve) for plans and policy. Following the shocking attack on 9/11, Jackson worked closely with coalition members to coordinate resources to facilitate the disruption of al-Qaeda’s global operations.
This is an in-person program and reservations are not required – arrive early to get a great seat and don’t forget to bring a lunch. For more information, contact the History Center at (863) 534-4386.
- July 30, 10 a.m. – Genealogy Speaker Series: “Setting Sail to the Mayflower Society: The Silver Books as Your Guide,” presented by Bonnie Wade-Mucia
- The General Society of Mayflower Descendants (GSMD) lineage society was founded in 1897. Membership requires proof of direct lineal descent from one of the Mayflower passengers who traveled in 1620. Learn how to apply to the GSMD and the history of the Silver Books Project, including how to use the books in genealogy research.
Bonnie Wade-Mucia is the owner of Keeper of the Past Genealogy, LLC. She is also the director of the Mayflower Silver Books Project at the General Society of Mayflower Descendants. Mucia is an experienced speaker and lecturer and has provided research for the PBS show “Finding Your Roots” with Dr. Henry Louis Gates and other projects for PBS, including documentaries and movies.
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 https://link.edgepilot.com/s/575593dd/zPRneFBrkUqztHWi-9gUvg?u=http://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.
