BARTOW — Those beloved July 4 barbeques, family gatherings, afternoons at the beach and holiday fun are a national celebration for a good reason: It was on July 4, 1776 when the founding document of the United States was first published. The words contained within it — “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness” — became the basis for this new nation.

With the 250th Anniversary of the Signing of the Declaration of Independence coming up on July 4 2026, one Central Florida history center is launching a special outdoor exhibition that focuses on just how much this nation owes to that document.

The Polk County History Center will host a dedication ceremony at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 17, at the Bartow Civic Plaza for a new historical exhibit opening in downtown Bartow. The public is invited to attend this ceremony.

The project is a collaboration between the History Center and the City of Bartow Community Redevelopment Agency to introduce an outdoor walking tour and exhibit celebrating the upcoming 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, America250.

This is also known as The United States Semiquincentennial, marking the 250th anniversary of the 1776 United States Declaration of Independence, with festivities scheduled across the country to mark events leading up to the anniversary on July 4, 2026. The idea is to engage all AMericans in this historic moment.

Polk County is playing its part through an outdoor exhibit is titled “One Nation, Many Stories: Polk County,” and will be permanently housed at the picturesque civic plaza adjacent to the History Center in downtown Bartow.

What is the One Nation, Many Stories Exhibit?

Myrtice Young, the historic preservation manager at the History Center, noted that the Bartow Civic Plaza is a popular spots where locals and visitors alike enjoy relaxing and getting to know Bartow’s historic downtown. Having the One Nation, Many Stories exhibit permanently stationed there enables those visitors to learn more about the region’s rich history, Young said.

“This is a great way to commemorate the signing of the Declaration of Independence,” Young said. “The Bartow Civic Plaza draws visitors for picnics and relaxation on a daily basis, and One Nation, Many Stories: Polk County will allow us to bring a little bit of history to people outside the History Center’s walls.

“People will be able to soak up the sun and some history,” Young added.

One Nation, Many Stories: Polk County will include 16 unique lamp post banners, each one containing special themes and vibrant colors, and 16 digital exhibitions that expand on what those banners represent. Historic images and videos will be on display, providing greater details on the history this exhibit aims to highlight.

Jeff Foley, public & media relations officer for Polk County Government, noted that One Nation, Many Stories will also provide “an engaging timeline that specifically celebrates America250 and prompts visitors to theorize how they will leave a mark on American history.”

The dedication of this outdoor exhibit will include:

• A ceremonial bell ringing to celebrate the U.S. Constitution.
• Greetings and a welcome from the partners.
• A history presentation by noted author and radio personality J. Lenora Bresler, entitled “Their Lives, Fortunes and Sacred Honor.”

Where Can I Check Out this Polk County Exhibit?

The dedication ceremony for One Nation, Many Stories: Polk County will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 17, at 4 p.m. at the Bartow Civic Plaza, adjacent to The Polk County History Center at 100 E. Main St. in the historic Old Polk County Courthouse.

To learn more, call the History Center at  (863) 534-4386.

Michael Freeman is an Orlando journalist, playwright, and author of the book A Christmas Eve Story. Contact him at Freelineorlando@gmail.com.

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