Learn about the history of Florida's Capital City by exploring local historic sites, museums, educational institutions, and landmarks.
Mission San Luis: A Living History Village and National Landmark
Bring your parents to the 17th century! See, hear, and feel the past come to life at this Apalachee and Spanish village. Relax in our picnic area, see 300-year-old artifacts found on site, watch our Saturday black-powder musket demonstrations, or just shop in our museum store. You may have driven by and wondered what we are. Now is the time to find out!
Website: missionsanluis.org
The Grove
Built by enslaved craftspeople, the ca. 1840 The Grove is one of the best preserved antebellum residences in Florida.
Listed on the National Registry of Historic Places, The Grove is one of the best preserved examples of Greek Revival architecture in Florida. From slavery to civil rights, the museum tells the story of critical moments that define the American experience. Free and open to the public, this site and collection of artifacts is a great way to learn more about the history of Tallahassee and Florida's state leaders.
Website: thegrovemuseum.com
Video: photos.app.goo.gl/sQJ3jGcwLhG8yECw7
The Museum of Florida History
The Museum of Florida History is only a short walk from the FSU campus. The Museum is open everyday until 4:30pm. Permanent exhibits begin with pre-historic Florida and continue through World War II. There is a Gift Shop and Cafe are also located in the Museum.
Website: museumoffloridahistory.com
Florida Historic Capitol Museum
Florida Historic Capitol Museum offers the Doorknobs to Domes tour to highlight the unique architecture of the building and its restoration process. Tours are available Sat. from 10:00am - to 4:00pm. The Florida Historic Capitol Museum is also open as a museum, with special exhibits interpreting the State's political history, Constitution and the history of the building.
Website: flhistoriccapitol.gov
Riley Museum
The John G. Riley Museum is located at the corner of Meridian and Jefferson Streets in downtown Tallahassee. The mission of the Riley Museum of African American History & Culture is to discover, archive and illuminate the blended interrelationship of African American, Native American and European history and preserve African American landmarks and legacies throughout the State of Florida. Established in 1996, the museum's program provide an environment and means to encourage and empower participants to develop an awareness of and gain an appreciation for the educational and social contributions of African Americans to Florida's history.
Website: rileymuseum.org
Smokey Hollow
Smokey Hollow was an African American community just blocks from the capitol building in Tallahassee. In the 1960s, the State of Florida claimed imminent domain over the area, displacing residents and scattering families across the city. Learn more about this important history and the lasting impact on Tallahassee's African American community.
Video: https://youtu.be/WI_I99s0qLc
Tallahassee Museum of History
& Natural Science
Visit the Tallahassee Museum's beautiful, lakeside facility of nature walks, Florida panthers and other native animals in natural habitat, pioneer farmstead and village of historic buildings, living-history folk artists in action, and close-up animal encounters.
The Museum offers $25 student memberships for year-round admission, seven days a week, as well as internships and volunteer opportunities.
Website: tallahasseemuseum.org
