Florida Inspired—Landscapes from the Risner Fine Art Collection

The Museum of Florida History is proud to introduce the Risner Fine Art Collection and its premier exhibit featuring more than 125 landscape paintings by 98 different artists.

The works show the diversity and beauty of Florida’s natural environment, span more than a century, and cover the Panhandle to the Keys, and the Everglades to North Florida farmland.  For additional information visit the Now on View page.

We prioritize the health and safety of the public and our employees.  After careful consideration, the Museum of Florida History is closed to the public until further notice.

20th of May— Emancipation in Florida

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.