Since 1975, the PCHA has encouraged and supported the collection of oral histories of Polk County residents. Member organizations of the PCHA Heritage Partner Committee seek potential candidates from their communities who are 75 years or older and have lived in Polk County for 50 years or more. These Polk Pioneers participate in an interview to document their lives and contributions to our rich history. They are recognized at the Annual Pioneer Luncheon and PCHA Business Meeting that is traditionally held in June.
Polk Pioneers 2024
Lemuel Baylis Carnes III, nominated by the Davenport Historical Society (pictured is Sally Carnes Wren, daughter of the late Baylis Carnes III); Bill Redmon, nominated by the Lake Wales History Museum; Sarah Dukes McKay, nominated by the Polk County Historical Association; Catherine Maultsby Reddick, nominated by the Museum of Winter Haven History; Sally & Dudley Putnam, nominated by the Polk County History Center.
Left to right back row: Victor B. Story, Jr. (Lake Wales), Hunter McNeer III (Lake Alfred), David F. Bunch (Lakeland) Front: Jackie Conroy Summerlin (Davenport), Martha Abbott Post (Bartow), Jean Hauger Bunch (Lakeland)
