HAPPY NEW YEAR!

VISITOR CENTER CAPITAL CAMPAIGN

The Riley Museum’s effort to raise money for the new Visitor Center annex building is almost complete. . .With a remaining balance of only $19,000 needed to begin construction, we are confident it will come without delay.

If you would like to donate, or know someone who does, simply CLICK HERE for more details or call (850) 681-7881 to make your tax-deductible donation today!

Other exciting things happening with the Riley Museum...

8TH ANNUAL APPLAUSE FOR THE PIONEERS GALA

The John Gilmore Riley Center/Museum is presenting its 8th Annual Cufflinks and Pearls Applause for the Pioneers Gala on Friday, February 24, 2012 from 8:00 p.m. to 11:00 pm. The event takes place at the Carriage House, Goodwood Museum and Gardens, 1600 Miccosukee Road, Tallahassee, Florida.

The purpose of the Pioneers Gala is to pay tribute to individuals who by a tangible act or creation have been community trailblazers, going before, preparing the way for others and have left a legacy in the development of Tallahassee’s history. All proceeds from the event are used in support of the John G. Riley Intern Scholarship Fund.

Click Here for more information.

12^th Annual Riley House Rock-a-Thon

Thanks so very much for helping to make December 3rd in Tallahassee a truly exciting day. The “Culture to Culture” Rock-a-Thon was a huge success thanks to the outstanding marketing efforts and support of our sponsors that helped to underwrite the cost, provide wonderful door prizes, and bring greater awareness to this very important family oriented holiday event.

The weather was great, the cultural groups performing were outstanding and the audience greatly exceeded prior years. The meeting, greeting, fellowshipping and giving to preserve our unique community treasure, The Riley House, is always so gratifying.
What a wonderful way to celebrate the holiday season!

Congratulations to our top three fundraising groups:
The Links-Tallahassee Chapter
The Delta Sigma Theta Sorority
The Leon County Sheriff’s Department
did top honors this year with monies collected to support the Riley Museum’s heritage education programs.

Looking forward, we are already planning for Rock-a-Thon 2012 and look forward to your continued support!

Sincerely,

Althemese Barnes, Founding Executive Director

OUT OF THE PAST, A NOBLE LEADER - John Gilmore Riley

Hear and View Mr. John Riley: Click Here

Original owner of the Riley House - A National Register Property
-Born into slavery on September 24, 1857 in Leon County;
-Pursued a career in education and became a teacher;
-Served as principal of Lincoln Academy from 1893 to 1926;
-Owned substantial properties in downtown Tallahassee;
-Grand High Priest of the Royal Arch Masons of Florida 33rd Degree Mason;
-Secretary of the Tallahassee NAACP;
-Member of the Negro Business League;
-Married to Nellie Riley-Father of five children (John, James, Sarah, Marilyn, and Emlin)
-Married Mozena Riley
-Died in 1954 at age 97

The John G. Riley Center/Museum of African American History and Culture419 East Jefferson StreetTallahassee, Florida 32301(850) 681-7881HOURS OF OPERATION:Monday thru Friday 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.