For more information call... The Greater Bartow Chamber of Commerce at 863-533-7125. The Polk County Historical and Genealogical Library, 863-534-4380. The Polk County Historical Museum, 863-534-4385.

The Polk County Historical Museum and Historical & Genealogical Library ome of the Polk County Historical Museum and Historical & Genealogical Library, the Polk County Historic Courthouse is the centerpiece of downtown Bartow. The first courthouse was built in 1867 of hand-hewn timbers for $3,000. It was replaced in 1884 by a two-story frame court-house. The cornerstone for Polk's third courthouse, which still exists today, was laid in December, 1908, and the building was completed in June of 1909. East and West wings were added in 1926, increasing the three-story building to about 50,000 square feet. Well into the 1940's, the building housed not only the entire court system (courtrooms, judges' offices, state's attorney, county solicitor, and clerks of criminal circuit courts), but also the other county offices, including the county commission, the school board, the sheriff, the tax assessor, the tax collector, the elections supervisor, and the county surveyor. Today, the historic courthouse is home of the Polk County Historical Museum. Celebrating the 90th birthday of the Courthouse, the museum opened its doors on September 19, 1998. It features a vast array of historical materials depicting the cultural, economic, political, and social history of Polk County and Central Florida, from the earliest times to the present, in the context of the state and the nation.

Current Polk County Courthouse In addition to the museum, the courthouse also plays host to the Polk County Historical and Genealogical Library. Boasting one of the largest genealogical and historical collections in the Southeast, the library has the resources to help individuals trace their family history back to its roots. Opened in January 1940, it is a full service research reference facility complete with an thorough compilation of books, magazines, microfilm, maps, historical photographs, family histories and extensive Census records. As the County seat of Imperial Polk County, Bartow is proud to be the home of these two outstanding collections of historic materials. Bartow, Florida – a friendly Southern community rich in history and heritage.

	Greater Bartow Chamber of Commerce 510 North Broadway Avenue Bartow, Florida 33830-3918 phone: 863-533-7125 fax: 863-533-3793 email: discoverbartow@bartowchamber.com	Area Websites ... Chamber News Community Calendar ... Community Profile Contact and Directors ... Historic Bartow Chamber Home ... Map and Directions Membership Directory ... Membership Information
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