Education

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 classrooms 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 curriculum 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.

• 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 geared toward middle school level learners.

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 & Visitor Engagement to select up to 4 exhibits for the tour.

• 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 geared toward elementary school learners.

In this program, high school and college aged 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.

• 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 geared toward middle school to college level learners.

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

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.

• 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 geared toward middle school to college level learners.
• This program is also offered on the 1st Saturday of each month at 11 a.m.

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.

• 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 geared toward middle school to college level learners.
• This program is also offered on the 3rd Saturday of each month at 11 a.m.

The Polk County History Center offers a variety of regularly scheduled programs for audiences of all ages.

• 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.
  • Learn more about the Oak Hill Cemetery Tour
• Second Saturday of the Month - Zoom & Vroom
  • This a virtual program that provides registrants with the tools to create immersive learning experiences for the entire family.
  • Learn more about Zoom & Vroom
• 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.
  • Learn more about the Architectural Tour
• Last Saturday of the Month - Genealogy Speaker Series
  • Free virtual program that runs from January through October featuring different guest speakers and unique genealogy-related topics.
  • Learn more about the Genealogy Speaker Series