The Generators- Genealogy Club
[Teleconference l Monday, February 1 @ 6 pm]
Registration opens Monday, January 25

The Generators: an ad hoc hands-on workshop that focuses on Family Genealogy. 
This is a monthly discussion meeting centered about a topic of genealogical interest and a chance to connect with others to learn more about genealogy. 
February Topic: One Step Web Pages - Stephen P. Morse

Beginning Genealogy

An introduction workshop to the search for family history.  Tools to get organized, hints to help along the way, online resources, connection to groups and Ancestry.com

CHAIR SIDE CHATS with HISTORIANS
The Fascinating Foundations of Florida's African-American Experience:
What You Need to Know About Lakeland, Polk County, and Central Florida Region
with  Dr. Canter Brown, Jr and Dr. James "Mike" Denham

WATCH the live broadcast

Spectrum channel 643, FiOS channel 43

www.LakelandGov.net/TV

www.YouTube.com/LakelandGov

To ATTEND the Live event there is limited availability for social distanced seating at the City of Lakeland Council Chambers – call for a reservation – 863.834.4269
[Thursday, February 25 @ 6pm]

Many Stories Connecting One Community

The Library will be under construction for renovations to ceiling fixtures, lighting and a new HVAC with new air ducts throughout the entire library.  The project will also include expansion of the current special collections room to include 1400 square foot of exhibit space in addition to the valuable resources and research area. 

Construction is planned for 12 months beginning sometime in mid-to-late February (check the Library website for up to date information).  During this time the  Lakeland History Room will be closed to walk-in patrons.  Services will still be provided through email and telephone exchange, with limited contact appointments.

QUESTIONS?  Call 863.834.4269 or email LuAnn.Mims@lakelandgov.net

The Lakeland History Room Digital Collections contains more than 7000 images.   Each month a different collection will be spotlighted.

Washington Park / Rochelle High School Collection

In 1928 Washington Park High School opened at the corner of Tenth Street and North Dakota Avenue (now Martin Luther King Avenue) in Lakeland.  It became only the sixth high school in Florida serving the educational needs of black students. The first class graduating class was only ten students in 1930.

The school’s name was changed to William A. Rochelle High School in 1949 to honor one of the longest serving and most accomplished black educators.  When a new and larger facility was built a few blocks away on North Dakota Avenue, it too was named William A. Rochelle High School.  The old Washington Park High School continued to serve the black community as a junior high school and later an elementary school before being demolished in the early 1970’s.

Take a stroll through the schools' history ...

Featured Digital Collection:  Washington Park / Rochelle High School 

Communities Have Power is a pictorial focus on the African-American communities, leaders, events and people of Lakeland.
Flickr Featured Album: Communities Have Power

Legend, Legacy & Lore Series: Stories of Lakeland
Discover more about the Early Hotels of Lakeland

Green Hat and White Gloves Lake Mirror Tour

You are cordially invited to delve into Lakeland’s history with Miss Serena Bailey (the first city librarian 1929-1959). Whilst strolling around the promenade of Lake Mirror you will be regaled with tales touting personable people, premier places and the astounding achievements of our fine city. 
Tours are offered the 2nd Tuesday of the month, space is limited!