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:
May 13, 2023, 11:00 a.m.–Noon at LeRoy Collins Main Branch Library, 200 W. Park Avenue, Tallahassee
A Place That Once Was
A neighborhood can often tell a story. Florida is home to many historic buildings and neighborhoods that have lots to say! Uncover how local landmarks such as The Grove, The Columns,and the Union Bank were preserved and what stories they tell. Kids will read along with “A House That Once Was” and make their own paper buildings.
June 10, 2023, 11:00 a.m.–Noon at Woodville Branch Library, 8000 Old Woodville Road, Tallahassee
History Under the Sea
Florida’s long coastline and crystal blue waters make for excellent diving experiences! The wonders of the sea have called many people to explore the depths! Come learn about diving practices through the years. Kids will go on a ‘dive’ of their own and discover the wonders of Florida’s waters!
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:
Tuesday, April 25, 2023, Noon–12:45 p.m. at Mission San Luis, 2100 W. Tennessee Street, Tallahassee
Roosevelt’s Tree Army in Florida
Speaker: Michelle Hearn, Senior Curator, Museum of Florida History, Florida Department of State
Senior Curator Michelle Hearn discusses the important role of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in Florida. During the Great Depression, President Franklin Roosevelt created several work relief programs—including the CCC—to address the nation’s economic hardships. By the 1930s, millions of acres of Florida land had been devastated by clear-cutting, poor farming practices, and phosphate mining. Many small farmers were destitute, and unemployment was widespread. In Florida, the CCC engaged in massive reforestation efforts, the establishment of the Florida state park system, and infrastructure projects. About 40,000 young men served in Florida’s CCC units, allowing them to support their families.
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.
Summer Reading Program
Each July the Museum offers a Summer Reading Program based on a theme and featuring a weekly program with a book reading, a craft, a guest speaker, and other hands-on activities to engage young readers. The programs are geared to ages 10 & under and are free and open to the public. A reading list of theme-related books focused on Florida is provided and readers who reads six or more books from our list will receive a special certificate from the Secretary of State and the Museum of Florida History. This is a great opportunity to get everyone of all ages excited about reading!
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.
