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Lakeland History & Culture Center

at the Lakeland Public Library


CURRENT EXHIBIT: 
TIES THAT BIND: 1880-1925


  • Charter Member Donor Reception, October 27, 2022

    Click on the images below to scroll through the gallery

  • Many Stories Connecting One Community: Origins of LHCC

    Lakeland History and Culture Center brochure

    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.

    Click to view LHCC brochure

  • 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. 

    Many Stories Connecting One Community card

    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

    DELL QUARY
    Polk County Public Schools

    RUSTIN LLOYD
    Associate Professor
    Southeastern University

    KELLY FISHER
    Business Owner

    LYNNE SIMPKINS
    President, Education and Enlightenment Group, Inc.
    Retired Senior Planner

  • Donate

    You can donate by check or 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

     Click here to learn more about resources and services of the Lakeland History Room