Lakeland History & Culture Center

at the Lakeland Public Library

From the Groves… Lakeland’s Citrus Story 

Come discover how the citrus industry impacted Lakeland’s economy – why Lakeland was formerly called the “World Citrus Center” – explore the location of early groves – learn who helped to market the products – what defines the local citrus industry today and hear reflections through oral histories from people historically connected to citrus.

This free, self-guided, interactive exhibit is open:

Monday-Thursday  9am-7pm
Friday-Saturday 9am-5pm
Sunday 1:30pm-5pm

For information about curated tours, call LuAnn Mims at 863.834.4269

• Exhibit Reception, January 31, 2025

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• Charter Member Donor Reception, October 27, 2022

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• Many Stories Connecting One Community: Origins of LHCC

  

  Many stories connecting one community.

  The vision for this project emerged over three years ago with discussions about acquiring one location to capture and share Lakeland’s unique history.

  Led by City Commissioner Phillip Walker and supported by community leaders, the idea was presented to the City Commission in 2019. The initiative received unanimous support from the commission to build an exhibit center at the city’s Main Library. An advisory committee was chartered, led by former Mayor Gow Fields, to determine what was required to make the Lakeland History and Culture Center a reality.

  The Lakeland History and Culture Center is a dedicated exhibit and research space that shares inclusive stories of Lakeland in harmony with all those who have contributed, and continue to contribute, to its culturally diverse history.

• Lakeland History & Culture Center Features

  Opened on September 8, 2022, the Lakeland History and Culture Center features a 1,400 square foot exhibit gallery and adjoining history and research room. 

  

  

  

  The Lakeland History Room includes research space, guided access to City archives, a DIY digitize lab to convert analog formats, and programs by knowledgeable library staff.

• Lakeland History & Culture Center Committee

  LUANN MIMS 
  Lakeland History Room Librarian Supervisor, City of Lakeland

  LISA LILYQUIST 
  City Librarian, City of Lakeland

  EMILY FOSTER
  Senior Planner, Historic Preservation
  City of Lakeland Community & Economic Development

  CATHERINE R. ESKIN 
  Associate Professor of English, Florida Southern College
  Head Archivist, Temple Emanuel Archive

  YVONNE MCSHAY
  Professor Emeritus, Polk State College

  RUSTIN LLOYD
  Associate Professor
  Southeastern University

  KELLY FISHER
  Business Owner

  EDWARD "PAUL" CLARK
  Community Association Manager
  First Service Residential

  VARRICK "VIC" NUNEZ 
  Retired public librarian

   

• Donate

  You can donate by check or donate online / via the form below. Checks should be addressed to:

  Givewell Community Foundation
  Memo: City of Lakeland Parks & Recreation/LHCC Fund
  1501 S. Florida Avenue
  Lakeland, FL 33803

     Learn more about resources and services of the Lakeland History Room

As a convenience and for informational purposes only, the City of Lakeland provides external hyperlinks on its website, directing website users towards certain outside sites; links to these websites do not constitute the City of Lakeland’s endorsement or approval of linked websites, or the information, products or services contained therein. All links the City of Lakeland Provides are consistent with the mission of its website. However, the City of Lakeland exercises no editorial control over the information website users may find on external websites. The City of Lakeland also cannot attest to the accuracy or appropriateness of information provided by external websites and organizations.