2nd Saturday Family Program
Check out the Museum of Florida History's next in-person 2nd Saturday Family Program on December 11 starting at 11:00 a.m. Each month's 2nd Saturday program features hands-on history for every member of the family. The program, admission, and parking are free.
Beyond the Vote: Mary McLeod Bethune
Mary McLeod Bethune once wrote, “My philosophy of education is the basic principle upon which my life has been built… the training of head, hand, heart.” This family program explores how Bethune applied these principles in her roles as educator and college president, activist, founder of national organizations, and as advisor to the President of the United States during the Great Depression and World War II. During the program, children imagine what learning in Bethune’s first schoolhouse was like, and how different or similar the studies were compared to modern schools. To remember Bethune’s cabin schoolhouse, guests will make and decorate their very own popsicle stick schoolhouse.
Beyond the Vote: Florida Women’s Activism
On August 26, 1920, the Nineteenth Amendment granting women the right to vote officially became a part of the U.S. Constitution. The Museum is excited to commemorate the legacy of this milestone event with Beyond the Vote: Florida Women’s Activism, an exhibit showcasing the history of women’s activism in Florida. The exhibit discusses the women’s club movement, the suffrage movement, and explores other major reform efforts, such as environmental preservation, civil rights, women’s rights, and more. It concludes with a brief look at women’s activism today. Beyond the Vote contains more than 80 artifacts, as well as photographs, and video and audio clips that help to interpret Florida women’s activism.
20th of May— Emancipation in Florida
The Knott House Museum and the John G. Riley Museum host an annual celebration of the 20th of May. Information on previous celebrations can be found on the Knott House Museum's Facebook page. Learn more about this event and other community activities here.
On January 1, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, freeing enslaved people in the rebelling Southern states. More than two years later, on May 10, 1865, Union General Edward McCook arrived in Tallahassee to take possession of the city from Southern forces. General McCook established his headquarters at the Hagner House, now known as the Knott House. On May 20, he declared the Emancipation Proclamation in effect. Former slaves celebrated this announcement with a picnic at Bull Pond, today's Lake Ella. Annually since 1865, communities in Tallahassee have celebrated May 20th as Emancipation Day.
Florida's Territorial Bicentennial
Florida—the ancestral homeland of varied indigenous peoples—became a United States Territory in 1821, thus ending more than 250 years of Spanish and British rule. To engage the public in learning more about this important transitional time in Florida’s history, the Florida Department of State (DOS) will highlight its territorial and early statehood period resources in 2021.
Find Us
Museum Hours:
- Monday—Friday 9:00 a.m.—4:30 p.m.
- Saturday 10:00 a.m.—4:30 p.m.
- Sunday & Holidays Noon—4:30 p.m.
Closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Admission to your State History Museum is free of charge; however, donations are appreciated. The suggested donation is $5 for adults and $1 for children.
Contact Information
The Museum of Florida History
500 S. Bronough St.
Tallahassee, FL 32399
| Phone: | 850-245-6400 |
| Fax: | 850-245-6433 |
