BARTOW, FL – The Polk County History Center has announced a guided walking tour of the historic Oak Hill Cemetery in Bartow, led by the county’s cultural resources coordinator. The tour is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. on Saturday, January 3.
Oak Hill Cemetery is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. The site features graves of Polk County pioneers and is covered by a canopy of live oak trees. The tour will commence at the Polk County History Center, followed by a short walk of approximately one mile that includes historic landmarks along the route to the cemetery.
Cemetery tours are conducted on the first Saturday of each month from October through April. The upcoming January 3 tour follows this regular schedule.
The Polk County History Center is located at 100 E. Main St. in Bartow. The facility operates Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Additional details about the tour and other programs are available on the website polkhistorycenter.org or by calling (863) 534-4386.
This event is part of ongoing efforts by Polk County to provide public access to historical sites. The Oak Hill Cemetery tour offers visitors an opportunity to view landmarks associated with the area’s early settlers. The route from the History Center to the cemetery incorporates additional points of historical significance within Bartow.
The National Register of Historic Places designation recognizes the cemetery’s role in preserving the history of Polk County’s development. The live oak trees on the grounds contribute to the site’s established landscape.
Monthly tours are limited to the cooler months of October through April to accommodate outdoor walking conditions in central Florida. The one-mile distance is described as a short walk, making the tour accessible for participants interested in local history.
The Polk County History Center serves as the starting point and administrative base for these tours. The center maintains regular operating hours to support public inquiries and visits throughout the week, with closures on Sundays and Mondays.
For individuals planning to attend the January 3 tour, arrival at the History Center by 9 a.m. is required to join the group led by the cultural resources coordinator. No advance registration details were specified in the announcement.
This scheduled tour continues a established series aimed at educating residents and visitors about Polk County’s historical resources. The program aligns with the center’s mission to document and share the region’s heritage through guided experiences at designated sites.
SOURCE: POLK COUNTY GOVERNMENT
