About The Lake Wales History Museum
Our Commitment:
Preserving the Heart of Lake Wales
At the Lake Wales History Museum, we are dedicated to preserving and celebrating the rich tapestry of our community's history. Our mission is to honor authentic heritage, uphold transparency, and foster inclusivity, ensuring that the diverse narratives of Lake Wales are respected and represented. Through interactive exhibits and educational programs, we strive to deepen community connections and encourage active participation in our shared history.
As a beacon of museum excellence, we commit to integrity and collaboration in all our endeavors, creating a vibrant cultural hub that brings our community’s history to life. Our efforts aim to inspire current and future generations, making the museum not just a repository of the past, but a dynamic space where Lake Wales' legacy continues to influence and educate.
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The Mission of the Lake Wales History Museum is:
To collect, preserve and share the heritage of Lake Wales.
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The Lake Wales History Museum strives to:
Honor & Preserve Authentic History
Be Inclusive and Diverse
Have Integrity & Transparency
Be Honest, Fair, and Collaborative with the Community
Practice Museum Excellence
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Every town has an important history to celebrate.
A living legacy, the Lake Wales History Museum unites our community through the powerful history that shaped Lake Wales, Florida. The Lake Wales History Museum preserves and shares our community’s proud heritage, inspiring deeper connections to the city and encouraging our ability to contribute to its story.
Organizations & Initiatives
Our partnerships span local to national levels, including affiliations with esteemed museum associations and cultural initiatives. These collaborations enrich our offerings and deepen our community engagement. From enhancing accessibility through the Blue Star Museum program to contributing to the cultural vibrancy with the Florida Humanities, we're dedicated to bringing history to life. Each partnership reflects our commitment to education, preservation, and the celebration of our shared heritage, ensuring a dynamic and inclusive experience for all visitors.
Our Founder, Mimi
Mary Leigh Reid Hardman (1934 - 2019), better known as "Mimi", was the founder of the Historic Lake Wales Society, which ran the Lake Wales Depot Museum for more than 40 years. She was married to to Dr. William "Bill" Hardman in 1958 before settling down in Lake Wales. Originally from Kentucky, Mimi quickly made it her mission to celebrate the life and times of Lake Wales, Florida.
