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:
Dog Days of Summer
August 10, 2024, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
The Grove Museum
902 N. Monroe Street
Tallahassee, Florida
Join us for National Dog Month to learn about animals of all shapes and sizes that have lived alongside people in Florida throughout history. From Dog Island, to the famous six-toed cats of Key West, learn amazing true stories about notable pets in Florida history. Then, make your own bookmark pet as a companion to your favorite summer reads!
Second Saturday activities will be hosted at The Grove Museum throughout the Back to School Field Day event.
Each free program 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:
Florida's Historic Capitol Building
August 27, 2024, Noon–12:45 p.m.
Union Bank Museum
219 Apalachee Parkway
Tallahassee, Florida
The program is free and open to the public.
NOTE: This program will take place at the Union Bank Museum, which is just across S Monroe St from the entrance to the Florida Historic Capitol Museum. Limited public parking is available in lot 4 next to the Union Bank. Metered street parking and downtown public garages are also available
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.
