Fundraisers | Past Events

JOHN GILMORE RILEY CENTER/MUSEUM 2008-09 CALENDAR

August 1, 2008 Exhibit Opening-Milestone Memories
This exhibit of artifacts, images and literature will fascinate anyone who sees it. It tells the story of early African American schools and the role of education in early america throughout time until the 60's and the integration of schools.

September 24, 2008 Annual Membership Meeting and Unveiling of Riley Animatronic

December 6, 2008 Annual Riley House Rock-a-Thon 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, Riley House, 419 East Jefferson Street.  Entertainment, arts and crafts, Santa, Bid Whist Tournament, Santa, holiday foods and more.

December 2008-December 2009 Two-exhibits (yet to be determined)

January 26-30, 2009 Blended Lives, Cultural Breakthroughs-The Theater

February 20, 2009 Annual Scholarship Pioneers Gala Goodwood Museum and Gardens Carriage House Proposed Honorees: Irene and Randolph Edmonds who pioneered Black Theater in Tallahassee and Florida.
First Black members of the Lemoyne Arts Foundation Board; a Garden is installed there in memory of Dr. Irene Edmonds.  Dr. Irene Edmonds’ 100th birthday is in October 2008.  Dr. Valencia Matthew and Riley will coordinate events from October 2008 culminating with the Gala on February 20th.  Attorney Marilyn Holifield, and former theater students of the Edmonds advanced the pioneers for this year and are assisting with the celebration.

On-going
Continuing through the calendar year are: Riley’s Kids Heritage Education Program and Six-week summer camp- in session; Tours; Research; Internship Program; Grant-writing; Membership Program.

Florida African American Heritage Preservation Network

• On-going technical assistance and visits to the twelve (12) targeted museums.
• The Director will be attending the IMLS Forum in Washington DC on June 19th and 20th to present on the success of the program. Dr. Anthony Dixon, a former intern and employee, who is now Curator at Virginia Key Beach will accompany her.
• The Director will meet with the Vice-President of the National Trust on June 18th, a meeting coordinated by former employee, Katrina Miles, now living in New York and doing independent consultant historic preservation work.
• The Director will travel to Denver, Colorado on June 23-25 to participate in an IMLS Forum focused on “Connecting to Collections”.  Again, Dr. Dixon will accompany her. (THESE TRIPS ARE BEING PAID FOR BY IMLS)
• The Director will travel to Chicago, Illinois in August 26-30th, along with the twelve Florida Network Directors, to attend the Association of African American Museum Conference.  The network is presenting a session at the conference.