Roundtable:
Museum needs money, promotion
PHOTO BY PEGGY KEHOE
Looking at vintage tourist-related items at the Polk County Historical Museum Thursday were (from left) Aniya Clayton, Alexis Gaston, Keyuntis Jones, Crystal Terwilliger and (not pictured) Taylor Petrovich. The Floral Avenue Elementary students were with other fourth graders on a written "scavenger hunt" through the museum's exhibits.
PHOTO BY PEGGY KEHOE
This sign reflecting the style of the Historic Polk County Courthouse has been on display in the Historical Museum for several years. Museum staff hope to get a variance to finally erect it outside, on the northwest corner of the lawn, to help people identify the museum and genealogical library location.
PHOTO BY PEGGY KEHOE
An 1848 Brunswick rifle and bayonet used in the Civil War are on display at Polk County Historical Museum, loaned by Keith and Chris Miller. Dedicated funding for the museum is essential for accreditation, which can attract more loans and well-known exhibits.
Polk County Commissioner Melony Bell
Historic Preservation Manager Myrtice Young
Bartow City Manager George Long
Chamber Director Jeff Clark
PHOTOS BY PEGGY KEHOE
Lloyd Harris, chairman of the Polk County Historical Commission.
Polk County’s “bed tax,” paid by visitors to the area, was originally intended to help support arts and culture, as well as sports and other tourist development. But most of the money has been going to sports marketing in recent years.
The first two pennies of that 5 percent tax could generate $480,000 for arts and culture, and with a November 2011 amendment that includes museums, such as the Polk County Historical Museum, housed in the historic courthouse in Bartow.
