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:
The Story of Florida's Capitol
November 9, 2024, 11 a.m.
Union Bank Museum
219 Apalachee Parkway
Tallahassee, Florida
From its humble origins as a log cabin to today’s 22-story skyscraper, Florida’s Capitol has undergone significant change over the past two centuries. Join us as we explore the history and preservation of Florida’s Capitol buildings. Create your own model of Florida’s Historic Capitol to take home and visit the Florida Historic Capitol Museum next door.
Toys & Games Across Time
December 14, 2024, 11 a.m.
Fort Braden Branch Library
16327 Blountstown Highway
Tallahassee, Florida
Join us to explore the pastimes of past times! What did kids do for fun in the many cultures that have called Florida home across history, and what activities do we still enjoy today? We will look at examples of toys and games that archaeologists have discovered from across centuries of Florida history, then take the fun home by decorating a puzzle to keep.
Each free program runs from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. and is designed for children ages 4 to 8 and their families.
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History at High Noon Programs
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:
To Be Announced
January 28, 2025, Noon–12:45 p.m.
Venue TBA
Tallahassee, Florida
Stay tuned for updates on our 2025 History at High Noon speaker series.
These programs are free and open to the public.
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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.
