Events
20th of May Calendar of Events
Monday, May 20, 2024
Signature events
10:00 a.m. John G. Riley Center/Museum Civil War Commemorative Service at the Old City Cemetery
The 2nd Infantry Regiment USCT will perform a Union soldier reenactment with a traditional 21-gun salute to fallen soldiers. Members of the community will join the ceremony of decorating the graves of Civil War soldiers.
11:00 a.m. Church bells in Tallahassee area will ring for 2 minutes to announce the dawning of the special day of freedom.
11:30 a.m. Dramatic reading of the Emancipation Proclamation
Speeches and music are presented on the front steps of the Knott House Museum. This year’s program features Dr. Reginald Ellis, Provost Professor of Community Outreach, Engagement, and Research at Florida A&M University, and the Mina String Quartet from the Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra. After the program, free lunch and activities are available in Lewis Park across from the Knott House Museum.
2:00—4:00 p.m., Public tours of historic sites
The Grove Museum (902 N Monroe Street) and the Union Bank Museum (219 Apalachee Parkway) will be open to the public for tours.
EVENTS ARE FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.
5:00 p.m., The Tallahassee Historical Society will unveil a historical marker for Father James Page on the grounds of the Bethel Missionary Baptist Church (224 N Martin Luther King Jr Blvd.).
Other Tallahassee Events in May
MAY 1–31
Division of Library and Information Services various resources at: https://bit.ly/3LgIiVA
SATURDAY, MAY 11
10:00 a.m.—4:00 p.m., Walk Through Living History at Speed Spencer Stephens Park
Living history celebration and commemoration of the reading of the Emancipation Proclamation in the State of Florida, which occurred May 20, 1865. Family-friendly event for all ages.
Noon–1:00 p.m., "Emancipated: Now What? Panel Discussion at Greater Mt. Zion Primitive Baptist Church
(adjacent to Speed Spencer Stephens Park)
As a a part of Walk Through Living History, Dr. Anthony Thompson, professor of African American History at Tallahassee Community College, will lead a panel discussion on the Emancipation Proclamation, events following May 20, 1865, and the impact of the document in the present day. For more information on this event go to www.the2ndusctlha.org/wtlh
2:00—4:00 p.m., Nature Walk: 20th of May, Emancipation in Florida at The Grove Museum
The May Nature and History Walk will focus on reconstructing historical landscapes connected to the history of slavery and freedom in the Tallahassee red hills region.
FRIDAY, MAY 17
5:30—11:00 p.m., Freedom's Eve Emancipation Concert located at Adderley Amphitheater-Cascades Park (admission fee)
The Tallahassee Symphony will host a free Freedom’s Eve concert in the Adderley Amphitheater, with special guests Total Praise Choir and Baritone Marques J. Ruff. Food Trucks and Park/Kids Activities begin at 5:30 p.m. A pre-concert reception featuring food, entertainment, and interactive tabling and activities will run from 6:00—7:45 p.m.
SATURDAY, MAY 18
Emancipation Conference Flyer PDF
7:45 a.m.—8:15 a.m., Emancipation in Florida Conference and Commemoration Registration (required)
AC Hotel Lobby
8:30 a.m.—3:30 p.m., Emancipation in Florida Conference and Commemoration Events
Parkview at Cascades—AC Hotel
-Before Juneteenth–Florida's Emancipation, Mini-Documentary
-Preserving Historical Collections Workshop—Telling the Stories
-Repast, Taste of Freedom
-Watching for Freedom 2024 Ceremony
-Spirits of Emancipation Culture Keepers
7:00—11:00 p.m., Emancipation and Abolitionist Ball at Parkview at Cascade Park (admission fee)
This formal event highlights the era with a special menu, entertainment, and attire representative of the period. Highlights of the event include historical presentations by the 2nd USCT and guests and the presentation of the Althemese Barnes Historic Preservation Award. This year's recipient is Tallahassee native, Ms. Jacqueline Perkins. Visit www.the2ndusctlha.org for more information.
SATURDAY, MAY 25
1:00—2:00 p.m., “Unlocking History: Exploring Florida's Emancipation Day” at the LeRoy Collins Leon County Public Library
Join the Leon County Public Library for an engaging presentation by Dr. Aron Myers from the John G. Riley Center & Museum as we delve into the rich history and celebrations of Florida's Emancipation Day! Learn more about this momentous event and expand your knowledge about the history of our Leon County community.
TUESDAY, MAY 28
Noon—12:45 p.m., History at High Noon at the R. A. Gray Building
Marcus Curtis, Geographic Information System (GIS) Specialist with Tallahassee-Leon County GIS and developer of the "History in your Hands" website, will discuss the fascinating connections and stories that were revealed through the website's creation. Using aerial imagery and data from historical documents, the website allows people to explore details of the past. Through Curtis's research, plantation boundaries, old roads, and other resources have been discovered. Join us to learn more about how GIS helps us understand our history.
Other Florida Events in May
FRIDAY, MAY 17
African American Research Library and Cultural Center, Fort Lauderdale, FL
Join us for a screening of the documentary on the history of emancipation in Florida. Funded by the Florida Humanities, “Before Juneteenth: Emancipations in Florida” tracks the timeline of emancipations and their celebrations in Florida, which range from January 1, 1863, to May 20, 1865. In communities across the state, these holidays have been observed for nearly 160 years. The documentary is an outgrowth of “The 20th of May: The History and Heritage of Florida’s Emancipation Day” Digital History Project, funded by Florida Humanities and led by the South Florida People of Color. After the screening, there will be a talkback with Charlene Farrington, Executive Director of the Spady Cultural Heritage Museum; artist and scholar Dinizulu Gene Tinnie, and the film’s producer and director, Tameka Hobbs, Regional Manager for the African American Research Library and Cultural Center.
SATURDAY, MAY 18
Blanchard House Museum of African American History and Culture, Punta Gorda, FL
The Blanchard House Museum invites you to join them on the lawn from 2:00—4:00 p.m. to celebrate Florida's Emancipation Day and the 20th anniversary of the Blanchard House Museum. The Museum is currently closed due to damage sustained during Hurricane Ian. The event features a living history performance by the Voices of Freedom Crossroads Hope Academy and there will be "freedom cake" and punch available.
Cotton Club Museum and Cultural Center, Gainesville, FL
The Florida Emancipation Celebration is a one-day festival celebrating the emancipation of enslaved people in Florida on May 20, 1865. The event includes vendors, performances, activities and educational opportunities for its visitors.
SUNDAY, MAY 19
James Weldon Johnson Park, Jacksonville, FL
Councilwoman Ju’Coby Pittman, The Ritz Theater & Museum and the City of Jacksonville are excited to announce the fourth annual Jacksonville Emancipation Celebration taking place in James Weldon Johnson Park. The festival will take place on Sunday, May 19, 2024 in an effort to educate the community about the historical significance of Florida’s observed Emancipation Day. Cities like Jacksonville in the State of Florida are acknowledging this special day of freedom. Headlining this year’s festival will be The Katz Downstairs, a Soul & R&B Vibe from Jacksonville. Councilman Rahman Johnson will host the event. Other great local performers include Mr. Al Pete, Taryn “Love Reigns” Warwood, and Mal Jones. In addition, Jacksonville’s Emancipation Celebration will feature local African American food trucks and vendors and fun activities for the kids. The festival will begin at 4 p.m. and close out at 8 p.m. at James Weldon Johnson Park.
MONDAY, MAY 20
Cotton Club Museum and Cultural Center, Gainesville, FL
The Cotton Club Museum and Cultural Center presents the viewing of a newly created documentary explaining emancipation in Florida. A question and answer period follows. Light refreshments will be served.
