Are you looking for free family activities that are also engaging and educational? Check out Zoom & Vroom!
Learn more about our community and our local history through the Polk County History Center’s new program: Zoom & Vroom. This FREE virtual program provides YOU with the tools to get out and explore the history that surrounds us. Each month covers a different topic related to Polk County’s history and local gems.
Each Zoom & Vroom session features:
- A virtual history lesson with question and answer opportunities on a variety of topics. This happens live on Facebook the 2nd Saturday of the month at 11am, but can also be watched at a later date.
- A self-guided half to full-day driving tour that guides you from one historic location to the next.
- Suggested book readings to extend the learning experience – access these books via our local libraries, at a local bookstore, or on Amazon.
- Activity packs (while supplies last) – includes crafts, recipes, local postcards, small toys, etc. that vary by topic
- Activity Packs can be picked up at the Polk County History Center from Tuesday – Saturday between 9am and 5pm. You can call the History Center at 863-534-4386 to be sure materials are still available for pick-up.
Zoom & Vroom is a great way to keep your Quaranteam busy all year long! Use these videos and tools to create immersive learning experiences for your entire family to get out and explore Polk County.
Here is an example of the upcoming February 13 session:
Go West Polk Countian: Exploring Kathleen, Lakeland and Mulberry
“This month, point your compass west and prepare to explore Kathleen, Lakeland and Mulberry. Trek the edges of the Green Swamp, discover the history behind the Moorehead and Carpenter’s Home communities in Lakeland, find the hidden Coca-Cola bottles at Lake Mirror and imagine what Mulberry was like in 1976 when the United States of America celebrated its bicentennial.”
The activity packs for this month include:
-Wind up alligator
-Polk Nature Guide
-Postcards
-Ideas for family crafts and making a time capsule
-DIY Kids Spyglass
How to participate in Zoom & Vroom:
- Watch the video presentation.
- LIVE – tune in on the Polk County Facebook Page on the 2nd Saturday of the month at 11am. You can ask questions and engage during this presentation.
- At your leisure – each presentation will be made available on Facebook, the website and on the county YouTube page.
- Take the Driving Tour – stop by the Polk County History Center or email a request for a PDF copy – Polk County History Center’s Curator of Education, Jayme Jamison at JaymeJamison@polk-county.net.
- Pick up an Activity Pack – call 863-534-4386 first to be sure supplies are still available.
The Polk County History Center is open from Tuesday – Saturday between 9am and 5pm. {TIP – take the kids with you to pick up the materials and plan to spend some time exploring the exhibits in the museum}
2021 Zoom & Vroom Topics:
| January 9 | A Formidable Fruit: Florida’s Citrus Industry in Polk County |
|---|---|
| February 13 | Go West Polk Countian: Exploring Kathleen, Lakeland and Mulberry |
| March 13 | Florida Stories: Using Your Smartphone to Explore Historic Florida |
| April 10 | Due North: Exploring Davenport, Dundee, Loughman and Haines City |
| May 8 | This Place Matters: Polk’s Historic Architecture |
| June 12 | Surf the Scenic Highway: Exploring Lake Wales, Frostproof and Babson Park |
| July 10 | Trek the Tri-Cities: Polk City, Auburndale & Winter Haven |
| August 14 | Destination Discovery: Exploring Polk’s Exceptional Museum Community |
| September 11 | Polk and Beyond: Bartow, Homeland and Fort Meade |
| October 9 | Etched in History: A Study of Polk’s Historic Cemeteries |
| November 13 | Notable Neighborhoods: Homesteads and Main Street |
| December 11 | Polk Nature |
To see past presentations, visit the Zoom & Vroom page on the Polk County History Center’s Website.
Have questions? Contact the History Center’s Curator of Education, Jayme Jamison at JaymeJamison@polk-county.net or call 863-534-4386.