Polk Pioneers

Since 1975, the PCHA has supported the collection of oral histories of Polk County residents. Member organizations of the PCHA Heritage Partner Committee seek potential candidates who are 75 years or older and have lived in Polk County for 50 years or more. These Polk Pioneers participate in an interview to document their lives and contributions to our rich history. Congratulations to our Polk Pioneers for 2024.  View their interviews here. 

Lemuel Baylis Carnes III, nominated by the Davenport Historical Society (pictured is Sally Carnes Wren, daughter of the late Baylis Carnes III); Bill Redmon, nominated by the Lake Wales History Museum; Sarah Dukes McKay, nominated by the Polk County Historical Association;  Catherine Maultsby Reddick, nominated by the Museum of Winter Haven History; Sally & Dudley Putnam, nominated by the Polk County History Center.

Fifty Years of Preserving History!


2024 marks 50 years that the Polk County Historical Association has been working to preserve Polk County’s history and heritage. We invite you to join our efforts and become a member today.