City to Honor John G. Riley Center/Museum
Tallahassee Cultural and Historical Gem Begins Operations as a Division of the City
February 25, 2020
On Wednesday, Feb. 26, the City of Tallahassee will honor the John G. Riley Center/Museum and celebrate it officially becoming a division of the City of Tallahassee. A proclamation will be presented during the City Commission meeting around 5:30 p.m., immediately prior to a public reception. The meeting and reception will take place at City Hall, 300 S. Adams Street.
The John G. Riley Center/Museum was established in 1996 with the mission to discover, archive and illuminate the blended interrelationship of African American, Native American and European history and to preserve African American landmarks and legacies throughout Florida. The museum welcomes visitors of all ages to learn about the educational and social contributions of African Americans to Florida’s history. Through its research efforts, recollections of daily life and significant events have been memorialized through exhibits, books, historic markers and more.
The property – commonly called the Riley House – is the former home of John G. Riley, who was born into slavery in Leon County and following emancipation rose to prominence as an educator and civic leader in the late 1800s. He was also a keen businessman and one of the few African Americans in Tallahassee to own property at the turn of the century. The Riley House was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1978 and is included on the Florida Black Heritage Trail, which recognizes important African American landmarks around the state.
The John G. Riley Center/Museum is a statewide leader in research and education regarding the preservation of Florida’s African American history. It spearheaded the effort that led to the establishment of a statewide consortium, which began with seven African American museums located throughout Florida. Organized as the Florida African American Heritage Preservation Network, the consortium now boasts 32 member museums, hosts conferences and field sessions to provide members with professional development and is nationally heralded by preservationists, historians, travel writers and members of the tourism industry as a model for essential museum strategies.
Becoming a division of the City of Tallahassee ensures the continued prosperity of this cultural and historical gem in perpetuity. It will be the first museum officially operated and maintained by the City. For more information on the Riley House, visit https://bit.ly/39Yb0Gu. For more information about the City, visit Talgov.com.
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