John G. Riley Museum Presents Statewide History Conference
"Journey to Emancipation" - Dec. 5-7 in Tallahassee
October 01, 2021
January 1, 1863, and May 20 and December 6, 1865, are important dates in the history of Florida and the nation. They are the focus of a statewide conference on Dec. 5-7, presented by the City of Tallahassee's John G. Riley Center & Museum and the Florida African American Heritage Preservation Network. "Journey to Emancipation" aims to bring awareness about the Emancipation Proclamation, Florida's emancipation date, the 13th Amendment and other interrelated topics of historical relevance.
"Attendees will develop a deeper understanding of emancipation, especially Florida's Emancipation Day, May 20, 1865, and gain actionable ideas to continue productive conversations about it within their own networks," said Tallahassee City Commissioner Dianne Williams-Cox, a conference convener. "Understanding history and seeing how its legacy impacts the present helps us build a better future."
The three-day conference kicks off with a private screening of "Invisible History," by famed documentarian Valerie Scoon, a professor in the Florida State University Film School. The film sheds light on the little-known history of plantations and the enslaved in Florida.
The history conference includes workshops on Abandoned African American cemeteries, the Underground Railroad to Florida, Heir Property Rights and Civil War to Emancipation classroom instructional methods. There's also an emancipation graveside reenactment, a heritage tour experience, a book bazaar, music and foods of the period, opportunities to network and a souvenir conference book of African American education, history and culture.
Researchers, historians, educators, archivists, community activists, history buffs, political leaders and the public will benefit from the wealth of knowledge presented by a robust and credentialed list of professors, authors and preservationists.
Due to ongoing concerns with COVID-19, the conference will be limited to 100 in-person participants.
To register for "Journey to Emancipation" and to reserve a room at the AC Hotel Tallahassee, visit the event's website. For inquiries regarding registration, hotel and conference details, call 850-891-3562 or email rileymuseum@talgov.com.
Research, education and discovery remain the mission of the John G. Riley Center & Museum, which is achieved through educational programs, tours and exhibits that bring awareness to and appreciation for the contributions of African Americans to society. The Center & Museum is located at 419 E. Jefferson Street and is operated under the umbrella of the City of Tallahassee's Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Affairs Department.
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