Ancestry.com
Start your family history search here at the library! Ancestry.com offers free access to all library patrons. (In library only)
Mon - Thurs. - 9 am - 7 pm
Fri - Sat: 9 am - 5 pm
Sun: 1:30 pm - 5 pm
Lakeland History Room Librarian Supervisor: LuAnn Mims
Ph: 863.834.4269
Email: luann.mims@lakelandgov.net
Image from the Greetings from Lakeland postcard collection
Start your family history search here at the library! Ancestry.com offers free access to all library patrons. (In library only)
Our story begins with you...what better way to tell the many stories of Lakeland and its history, than visually by showcasing highlights from our Flickr Digital Collection.
Check out our featured album:
Between the two World Wars, Civilian Aviation was a big part of Lakeland's history. Great flying weather, flat surfaces, progressive economy, and a developing culture of "air-mindedness" poised Lakeland to be the center of aviation in Florida between 1920-1940.
Enjoy this photographic stroll through Lakeland's aviation history.
Discover more about Lakeland’s History through Stories!
Aviator Ruth Elder (1902-1977) and co-pilot, George Haldeman (1898-1982), trained in Lakeland for a record breaking flight across the Atlantic. The 1927 attempt, though not completed, set a record of air miles flown by a female of 2,625 miles in 36 hours. This challenged and encouraged more women to take to the skies!