“The Frenchtown Historical Marker Trail” Unveiling

November 07, 2019

The City of Tallahassee and John G. Riley Center/Museum will unveil the Frenchtown Historical Marker Trail on Friday, Nov. 8. The nine markers that comprise the trail tell the history of Frenchtown, one of Tallahassee’s oldest African American communities. Through them, visitors will discover and celebrate a time when Frenchtown was a thriving, self-sustaining community of families, homes, businesses and pride – a time when Frenchtown had it all.

Friday’s unveiling begins at the Renaissance Center, 435 N. Macomb Street, with a ceremony from 10-10:30 a.m. featuring some of Tallahassee’s most prominent leaders and a tribute to both former and current residents. As visitors move along the trail, they will experience historical traditions, such as Lawn Tea Parties, soul food tastings and musical performances. The first 50 people to complete the walking trail will receive a free “Fall in Historic Frenchtown” T-shirt. Festivities will last until 3 p.m.

The markers include oral histories that were conducted between 1998 and 2005 by the Riley House with former residents. They share what life was like in the community during its heyday from the late 19th to mid 20th century.

Free parking is available at the Renaissance Center and Lincoln Center, 438 W. Brevard Street.

For more information about this event, contact the Riley Museum at (850) 681-7881 or plee@rileymuseum.org. For more information about the museum, visit RileyMuseum.org.

The James L. and John S. Knight Foundation, City of Tallahassee Community Revitalization Council, Leon County Tourist Development Council and Florida Department of State Division of Cultural Affairs funded the Frenchtown Historical Trail Marker project.