2020 Summer Reading Program
Pirates and mermaids! Castles and dragons! Florida has them all, both imaginary and real. This summer, let your imagination guide you through the myths and legends of Florida. Cultural stories will show you how different people saw the world and made sense of it through traditional stories. Tales from history introduce readers to ways of living that seem larger than life compared to today’s world. Fantastical icons of Florida’s past reveal the deep roots of imagination and exploration of our Sunshine State. For more information visit the Summer Reading page.
Celebrate Suffrage Florida
One hundred years ago, on August 26, 1920, the 19th Amendment officially became part of the United States Constitution, guaranteeing women the right to vote. You can discover more about this historic centennial at Celebrate Suffrage Florida, a new website exploring the history of the amendment, offering resources, and highlighting the role of Florida women in the struggle for suffrage.
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.
Digital Learning Resources
Exhibits at the Museum of Florida History explore more than 12,000 years of Florida history. Students are now able to experience these exhibits from their K-12 classroom through one of our digital learning programs.These programs feature educator-led tours streamed live, allowing students to interact with the educator virtually. Visit our Digital Learning page to find out more about these programs.
The Knott House Museum offers prerecorded tours and activities online so that students can explore the history of the Knott House and early twentieth-century Tallahassee. These short videos allow visitors to see old Tallahassee, explore life in the 1930s, peek behind-the-scenes, and create fun crafts. You can explore the Knott House virtual resources by clicking here.
Visit the Department of State's Digital Learning website to learn about additional virtual programs and online resources offered by the Department of State.
Find Us
Museum Hours:
We prioritize the health and safety of the public and our employees. After careful consideration, the Museum of Florida History will be closed to the public until further notice.
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 |
