Skip to main content
ATTENTION BURN BAN for unincorporated Polk County, Auburndale, Bartow, Davenport, Dundee, Fort Meade, Frostproof, Haines City, Lake Alfred, Lake Wales Lakeland and Winter Haven until further notice. Learn more.

Education

Home / Things To Do / History Center / Education

group of young students in blue shirts looking at map, one boy reaches up to point on the mapThe Polk County History Center is dedicated to enriching the learning experience for Polk County’s future leaders through tours, programs, activities, lectures and community outreach. Educational programs and tours designed for classroom students, scouts and other large groups are outlined below.

 

 

 

 

Curated Field Trips for Students

Description

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 education team to select up to four exhibits for the tour.

Scheduling

  • 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 developed for elementary school learners.

Description

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 classes visit the Polk County History Center, they will tour the 1908 court room and participate in a trial simulation. With an emphasis on the U.S. 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 curricula 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.

Scheduling

  • 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 developed for middle school learners.

Description

In this program, high school and college students are introduced to 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.

Scheduling

  • 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 designed for high school to college-level learners.

Schedule a Field Trip

Would you like to schedule a field trip or learning experience? Please note that there are limitations on group sizes. However, we are happy to design programs that accommodate larger groups across multiple visits or through dual sessions (morning and afternoon visits). Fill out the contact form below and History Center staff will reach out to you.

Groups are not required to be connected to a school or organization in order to plan a learning experience. Homeschool groups, scout groups, etc., are also welcome to reach out.

Contact Form

Virtual Resources

Learn about Polk County history from right where you are through the virtual resources below.