Homeland Heritage Park

Homeland Heritage Park. . , Homeland Heritage Park's Beginning , Homeland Heritage Park officially opened its doors on March 26, 1985. The School Board of Polk County donated the Homeland School building and the surrounding property to the Polk County Board of County Commissioners with the understanding that a historic park would be created on the site. At that time, the Homeland Schoolhouse was the only building at the park. It's also the only building at the park that sets on its original foundation. Since its opening, six historic buildings have been moved onto the park to join the school. They include: The Homeland Methodist Church, the Raulerson House, the English Log Cabin, the Homeland Methodist Church Annex, the Homeland Methodist Church Parsonage and the English Pole Barn. , , From Bethel to Homeland , The present church building always bore the name Homeland Methodist Church. It was built after the community of Bethel had its name changed to Homeland by an Irish peddler named Jack McCormick. When he arrived at the Bethel Community, he looked about him and said, "This place looks more like my homeland than any place I have seen." The name caught on. In 1883, the name Homeland was nailed to the train depot by a stationmaster. On Sept. 7, 1885, it was made official by the United States Postmaster. The new post office established on that date bore the name of Homeland, Florida. , , Teaching Polk County's History , Today, the park is maintained by Polk County Parks and Natural Resources, and remains an important part of Homeland's community. It is used for community special events, private gatherings, and to teach students the history of Polk County. , (captions) , The Homeland School was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2007. , , Our general store is located in the Schoolhouse. It is open during our special events.