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
History at High Noon
Torreya State Park and Historic Preservation in Florida | May 29, 2025, Noon
Mission San Luis
TEMPORARY ENTRANCE: 2021 Mission Rd.
Tallahassee, Florida
Celebrate National Historic Preservation Month and learn about Torreya State Park and its Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) connection. Gregory House–one of the state’s earliest historic preservation projects–stands as a testament to the work of Black CCC companies in Florida. Andrew Waber, historian for the Bureau of Historic Preservation, will discuss his work updating the state park’s National Register of Historic Places designation.
The program is free and open to the public.
2nd Saturday Family Programs
Grown in Florida: Fruits and Vegetables throughout History | June 14, 2025, 11 a.m. to Noon
The Grove Museum, 902 N. Monroe Street, Tallahassee, Florida
Take a stroll back in time to before oranges were Florida's official state fruit. Learn about which fruits and veggies are native to Florida, and which ones have been introduced over time. Find out how the history of agriculture has changed the state. Kids will make their own colorful corn cob with plastics beads and pipe cleaners.
Each free program runs from 11 a.m. to Noon and is designed for children ages 4 to 8 and their families.
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 |
