"The Tallahassee Bus Boycott 50th Anniversary". Photos and artifacts reveal the struggles of the Civil Rights Movement in Tallahassee and the leaders and ordinary citizens that helped to put an end to legal discrimination. Showing January 5 through April 1, 2008.
"Matriarchs of Culture" depicting women who through their work and guidance can be credited with the underpinning of today's black middle class.
 "Spiritual Sojourn" exhibit opens at Riley House on Wednesday, September 20, 2006. The exhibit celebrates, posthumously, the life and artistic prowess of African American artist Amos Lawrence Lewis Sr. A mixed-media presentation of watercolor, etchings, acrylics, mosaics, ceramics and sculptures, the show is a microcosm of what Black artists were accomplishing during the 20th century. Though many could not display in mainstream galleries due to the social times that limited opportunities, they continued to produce and share their works with community groups,
schools, at events, and in churches. Mr. Lewis' widow, Maggie Lewis Butler, retained over 90 pieces of his work and made a part of it available the Riley Center/Museum to create the "Spiritual Sojourn" exhibit. On display until November 15th, the exhibit is scheduled to show at numerous other venues through 2008.
Eluster Richardson’s: Struggles and Triumphs Series I
Eluster Richardson’s: Struggles and Triumphs Series II
Struggles and Triumphs II is the second series of an exhibit by native Tallahassean artist Eluster Richardson, that captures the history of African Americans in Florida from Reconstruction through the mid-Twentieth Century. This exhibition illustrates the lives of everyday African Americans, young and old, rural and urban alike, through struggles and in triumphs. This story of African American life and contributions is evident across the country, particularly in the South.
Nationally significant collection Received by the Riley House: Black Abolistionists Papers. Over 14,000 essays, speeches, letters of anti-slavery movements by Black Abolitionist were donated by Dr. Joe Richardson and Dr. Maxine Jones, FSU History Professors and authors of African American History books; and C. Peter Ripley, Retired FSU Professor and researcher. The papers are being processed and placed in the non-circulating Riley Archive, located in the Tallahassee Community College Library. Interim Archivist: Anthony Dixon, PhD Candidate, Indiana University.
James Weldon Johnson Children's Art Exhibit
January 20 - March 2005
Sponsored by Tots' N Teens Theater Inc., Jacksonville, Florida. Upcoming Exhibit: Struggles & Triumphs Series II, an art exhibit depicting African American landmarks & legacies from various parts of the State of Florida
Funded by the City of Tallahassee, Cultural Resources Commission.
T.J. BROWN DYNAMIC PRODUCTIONS
Thomas Brown, born in the Smokey Hollow community in Tallahassee, has returned home after living and traveling throughout the country exhibiting his work and conducting arts and crafts workshops for children.
Exhibits at: Riley House, 419 East Jefferson Street and in the Legislative Research Center and Museum on the Tallahassee Community College (TCC) campus will show through October 31.
Special Riley members reception and exhibit opening will be held on October 6, 2004 from 6-8 pm at TCC.
Exhibit at TCC: Free to the public.
Riley House Exhibit: $2.00 for adults and $1.00 for children.
 
Exhibit:
"World War II, African Americans,
and the Ledo/Stilwell Road"
Dr. Geraldine Seay, Curator/Researcher
Riley Center/Museum
419 E. Jefferson Street
September 5 - November 28, 2003
Thousands of American Army personnel were called upon to construct the 1079-mile Ledo/Stilwell Road, and of 15,000 troops called, more than 60% were African Americans. The first and last battalions on the scene were the 45th, 823rd, and the 858th Engineers, respectively, all African American Battalions. There were Black road builders, and trucking companies; at least, two Black station hospitals filled with Black nurses, Black doctors, Black dentists, and laboratory technicians; and thousands more African Americans serving in various capacities.
Most official and unofficial histories make little note of the African American troops in this theatre. But there are photos that document the contributions these soldiers made. This exhibit seeks to pay tribute to their great courage and makes these photos, films, and artifacts available to the general public. Several veterans who worked on the Ledo/Stilwell Road were interviewed and have been invited to attend the opening at the Riley House.
The Ledo Road: A Brief History
During World War II, The China-Burma-India (CBI) Theatre of Operations was, initially, important in keeping the Japanese engaged. China was promised support through the Lend Lease program to carry this out, but supplies were slowed or cut off by Japan's capture of the Burma Road. Two plans promised the continued delivery of the supplies: 1. "Flying the Hump": airlifting supplies from India to China over the Himalayan Mountains; 2. Constructing a road from India, through Northern Burma to connect with the Chinese portion of the Burma Road at Wanting, China. The first plan was cumbersome, expensive and dangerous as such flights were plagued with altitude, weather and temperature issues. The US pursued the plan to build the road. Again, the Road would be built from Ledo, Assam, India to Kunming, China, meeting the old Burma Road at Wanting. The first portion- through Burma-followed the footpaths of ancient traders. The Road was cut out of the mountains, through valleys, and over rivers. Most of the Road through China had to be rebuilt to withstand the weight of the supply trucks. The completed road totaled over 1079 miles and, together with its construction, remains one of the greatest engineering feats of World War II.
About the Curator:
Dr. Seay has a Ph.D. in English from the University of Florida; she is a tenured faculty member at the School of Business and Industry, Florida A & M University. This research is intended as a tribute to those who built The Ledo Road. |
