Happenings at the Polk History Center
After months of ongoing restoration and preservation work, the Polk County History Center is ready to reopen to the public on July 15! While some galleries may remain closed as final work on the building is completed, all safe and accessible areas, including the Historical and Genealogical Library, will reopen to the public. Click here for a list of July Happenings at the History Center.
Annual Meeting & Pioneer Luncheon
On Tuesday, June 17, 2025, more than 175 people gathered at Bonnet Springs Park Event Center for the 51st Annual Meeting and Polk Pioneer Luncheon. As attendees enjoyed a delicious buffet lunch, President Lloyd Harris conducted the business meeting portion of the program that included committee reports, election of the officers and approval of by-laws revisions.
One of the highlights of the meeting was the presentation of the inaugural PCHA Board of Directors Award. This award will be given from time to time, as merited and determined by the Board, to an individual deserving of recognition and honor. Our first recipient is S. L. Frisbie, IV. A lifelong resident of Bartow, he is a senior Director, first year charter member of the PCHA, and he serves on the editorial staff for the Polk County Historical Quarterly. Over his lifetime he has shared, supported, and sought to preserve our history, making him a deserving honoree.
Congratulations Polk Pioneers 2025
Since 1975, the PCHA has supported the collection of oral histories of Polk County residents. Member organizations of the PCHA Heritage Partner Committee seek potential candidates who are 75 years or older and have lived in Polk County for 50 years or more. These Polk Pioneers participate in an interview to document their lives and contributions to our rich history. Congratulations to our Polk Pioneers for 2025. View their interviews here.
Pictured left to right: Louis Warren McKnight Jr., nominated by the Davenport Historical Society; Ernestine Mason Davis, nominated by the Luster African American Heritage Museum; Bobby L. Moore, nominated by the Polk County Historical Association; Florence McNeer Hamilton, nominated by the Lake Alfred Historical Society; Alice Lorraine Peaslee, nominated by the Historic Lakeland Inc.; Virginia McKnight Glass, nominated by the Davenport Historical Society; Edwin Friedlander, nominated by the Polk County History Center (pictured is Kathryn Friedlander, wife of the late Edwin Friedlander); Richard D. Howell, nominated by the Lake Wales History Museum; and Thomas Robert Cooney, nominated by the Museum of Winter Haven History.
Anniversary of the Polk County Historical Commission
The Polk County Historical Commission (PCHC) was created by State Legislative action and approved by Governor Frederick Preston Cone of Florida on May 4, 1937. This effort was the result of historically minded citizens of Polk County interested in preserving the historical background of a growing community. With the passage of the act, the means to administer and oversee a broad area of historical interest was assured.
The nine-member commission serves as an advisory board to the Polk County Board of County Commissioners. A signature activity of the PCHC is the administration of the historical marker program. Historical markers are popular and useful tools for promoting and preserving all aspects of Polk County’s diverse heritage. Marker topics include individuals, events, institutions, buildings, ethnic groups, churches, sites, communities and cemeteries.
A historical marker dedication will take place May 16 in Bartow, recognizing the city’s incorporation in 1882. For more information, visit the City of Bartow website here.
Historic Preservation Month
Beginning in 1973, the National Trust for Historic Preservation dedicated the month of May as Historic Preservation Month. This May, the theme is the “Power of Place” to shine the spotlight on the ways preservation strengthens communities, breathes new life into neighborhoods, supports a healthier planet and builds a more connected society. In Polk County, the declaration helps get the word out about the importance of preserving local history year-round.
On May 5, the City of Bartow presented a proclamation recognizing May 2025 as Historic Preservation Month. Denise Bohde accepted the proclamation on behalf of the Polk County Historical Association Board of Directors.
