History at High Noon
Florida: The Forgotten Fourteenth Colony of the American Revolution | July 28, 2026, Noon
Mission San Luis
2021 Mission Road
Tallahassee, Florida 32304
The program is free and open to the public. Attendees will receive free admission to Mission San Luis after the program.
20th of May— Emancipation in Florida
On January 1, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, freeing enslaved people in the rebelling Southern states. More than two years later, 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. Former slaves 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.
The Knott House Museum and the John G. Riley Museum host an annual celebration of the 20th of May. Learn More
Freedom Friday at the Union Bank Museum
The Museum of Florida History is continuing to celebrate America's 250th birthday throughout the month of July with our upcoming Freedom Friday programs hosted at the Union Bank Museum. Each Friday from July 10th-July 24th between 10am and 4pm, stop by the bank to take a closer look at the fascinating history of this site. Each week will focus on key elements of the building's 185-year history. "The Freedman's Bank Files" popup exhibit on July 10th will explore the stories of local residents that held accounts at the bank during the Reconstruction Era. On the 17th, "Immortalized in Ink" will highlight some of the many businesses that made the bank their home in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Finally, on July 24th, come learn about the fascinating archaeological discoveries made in Tallahassee as part of our "Downtown Dig Sites" program. The Union Bank Museum is located at 219 Apalachee Parkway. These events are free and open to the public.
Museum Hours
The Museum is temporarily closed as part of ongoing renovations at the R. A. Gray Building.
Contact Information
The Museum of Florida History
500 S. Bronough St.
Tallahassee, FL 32399
| Phone: | 850-245-6400 |
| Fax: | 850-245-6433 |
