Museum of Florida History

2nd Saturday Family Program

Check out the Museum of Florida History's next in-person 2nd Saturday Family Program on Saturday, July 9, 2022, 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. Program geared to children aged 10 and below.

Pirates of the Peninsula

Ahoy! Come aboard ship and sail the Florida coastline, all the way around the peninsula, to learn about Florida’s pirate past. Discover the myths and truths of the Pirates of the Peninsula on a museum tour! Kids can create their very own pirate.

2022 Summer Reading Program

Florida has more than 8,400 miles of coastline offering plenty of ocean fun. Discover the history of Florida’s ocean life and lore by learning about lighthouses, mermaids, boats and ships, and spectacular life beneath the waves.

The books on the summer reading list have been carefully selected by Museum of Florida History staff. Read six or more books to receive a special certificate from Florida Secretary of State Cord Byrd and the Museum of Florida History. Visit your local library to find these selected books and set sail on your adventures today. Click here to go to the summer reading page.

Summer Reading Activities

Have a summer of watery fun with books and hands-on activities at the Museum of Florida History! Join us on the following Thursdays starting at 10:30 a.m. for crafts, special guests, and exciting books.

July 7 – Lighthouses
July 14 – Seas of Wonder: Mermaids
July 21 – Boats and Ships
July 28 – Oceans of Florida

The program and parking are free.
Activities are geared to ages 10 & under.

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. 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.

The Lure of Florida Fishing

The Museum of Florida History presents The Lure of Florida Fishing, a new exhibit that highlights the history of sport fishing in Florida from the late nineteenth century to the present. One special feature of the exhibit is an extensive timeline of fishing lures that documents a century of lure making in Florida. A recreated bait shop, fishing-related artifacts, photographs, and text panels help interpret the history and growth of sport fishing in the Sunshine State as a tourism draw and recreational activity for residents. The exhibit is open through the summer.

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.

Parking