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 The John G. Riley Center / Museum of African American History and Culture, Goodwood Museum and Gardens, and Leon County Schools join together to host the Blended Lives program. Started in 2001, this celebration of our community’s history is designed to entertain, encourage, and educate both children and adults. Our vision is to explore the powerful roots of our collective history and instill a new appreciation for heritage that may have otherwise gone untold.
Entering its 9th year, the Blended Lives program has hosted 4th grade and selected high school grade classes from schools in Leon County. This program educates and provides cultural experiences for up to 2,000 students annually over a three-day span. Whether re-enacting childhood games or introducing African instruments, Blended Lives has consistently conducted an informative and entertaining program for all ages. Each year, there are different opening speakers and different themes highlighted, based on a Riley Center/Museum developed curriculum.
 The importance of instilling a sense of belonging to a community in our youth cannot be underestimated. Perhaps one of the most effective ways to achieve this goal is through heritage education. We must help our students understand our diverse and unique heritage in order for them to comprehend various aspects of our community as it exists today. Blended Lives is a direct attempt to involve our community in revisiting its rich and diverse past.
Blended Lives is a significant partnership that demonstrates how museums, schools, and other community organizations can put racial and culture harmony into practice through programs that reflect diversity, broaden understanding, and build meaningful connections to shared history.
 This year’s theme “Cultural Breakthroughs-Film and Theater”- Preserving the Legacies, made it’s way into classroom instruction through Lessons that were developed around the theme. Activities were held at Goodwood and Riley House with 4th graders and 11th graders demonstating the 1920’s era as it relates to the theme. The 11th graders attended the Blended Lives Forum on Monday, January 26th at TCC. Dr. Valencia Matthews, Chair of the FAMU Theater Department and her students were special featured guests for this event. The 4th grade program was held January 28-30, 2009 at both Riley and Goodwood sites.
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