Programs & Events
The Museum offers a number of recurring programs throughout the year
Monthly Programs
2nd Saturday Family Programs
Join us on the 2nd Saturday of each month for a specially themed program featuring a hands-on activity for young historians. While the Museum is closed, we will be taking 2nd Saturday on the road, with programming in various locations held in conjunction with our community partners. Follow us on social media for the latest location, subjects, and more.
Upcoming Programs:
Ticket to the Sunshine State
July 13, 2024, 11 a.m.-Noon
Union Bank Museum
219 Apalachee Road
Tallahassee, Florida
Climb aboard as we explore the history of trains and railroads in Florida. The first railroad chartered in Florida started in Tallahassee, and trains have made a big impact on the ways people have traveled ever since. Join us as we learn about Florida's railroad cities and resorts, its historic trains and train stations, and the songs and lifestyles of the people who built the railways. We'll complete our journey by making our own mini train cars.
Each free program runs from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and is designed for children ages 4 to 8 and their families.
History at High Noon
The Museum features casual monthly lunchtime talks by local experts on a variety of topics. Please note the location of each lecture as the presentation site may change from month to month.
Upcoming Programs:
July 23, 2024, Noon–12:45 p.m.
Mission San Luis, 2100 W. Tennessee St., Tallahassee, Florida
Excavating El Camino Real
Jerry Lee, Senior Archaeologist with Florida's Bureau of Archaeological Research, will present the results of recent excavations of a small portion of El Camino Real, or the "royal road," at Mission San Luis. The Camino Real linked San Luis and other missions of Apalachee Province to the Spanish capital of St. Augustine in the 17th and 18th centuries. Mr. Lee will also discuss preliminary findings from the most recent excavations at Mission San Luis.
The program and parking are free and open to the public. Attendees will receive complimentary admission to the historic site. Be sure to shop in El Mercado before or after the program.
Annual Programs
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. Formerly enslaved people 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 History Day
Sponsored by the Museum of Florida History, Florida History Day is an annual, statewide activity that enhances the teaching and learning of history in middle and high schools. Florida joins 49 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, and international schools in East and South Asia as an affiliate of National History Day® (NHD). NHD promotes history in the classroom by offering students the resources and support to do original research about people, ideas, and events of the past. Learn more about Florida History Day here.
