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RILEY CENTER & MUSEUM

Welcome to the John G. Riley Center & Museum for African American History & Culture

About Riley Museum

The John Gilmore Riley Center & Museum for African American History & Culture, Inc. is a historical and cultural gem that sits at the bottom of a hill in downtown Tallahassee, at the corner of Meridian and Jefferson Streets.

Visit Riley Museum

The John Riley Center & Museum welcomes people of all ages to journey back in time to the Reconstruction era – one of the most significant, yet least known periods of American History following the end of the Civil War.

Get
Involved

With your support we will be able to maintain our community enrichment programs and keep the historic Riley House open so that visitors near and far, can experience this Tallahassee treasure!

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LIFE & LEGACY OF

JOHN G. RILEY

The Riley House was constructed circa 1890 on the fringe of a community called Smokey Hollow. Its owner, John Gilmore Riley, rose to prominence as an educator and civic leader. He received formal education from public and private institutions. Riley began his first teaching job in 1877 at a school in Wakulla County. In 1892 he became principal of the Lincoln Academy (located at 438 West Brevard Street in Tallahassee, Florida) where he served until his retirement in 1926

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Education, Nonprofits & Activism

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Legacy and Learning

Read more Legacy and Learning is a virtual exhibit presented by the John G. Riley Center & Museum. This intergenerational exhibit aims to spark dialogue between families and create a better understanding of what life was like for many growing up in the south during reconstruction. For more information, visit www.rileymuseum.org.

Education

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John G. Riley Museum Tour with Founder, Althemese Barnes

Read more Experience a virtual tour of the Riley House, conducted by the Founder and Executive Director Emeritus, Althemese Barnes.

Education

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Uncrowned Queens

Read more "Uncrowned Queens" Online Exhibit curated by The John G. Riley Center/Museum of African American History & Culture. This exhibit features women from the Leon County area who have made significant contributions in the areas of religion, civic life, social life, education and more.

Education

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The Riley House Short Film

Read more The Riley House Short Film. Executive Producers - Althemese Barnes & Marion McGee. Produced by David Barrow Wiley & Rebecca Drummond, Written and Directed by Faren Humes. Cinematography Matthew Ryan, First Assistant Camera - Brian Diggs. Key Grip/Gaffer/Second Assistant Camera - Juraj Bedi, Sound Mixer/Boom Matt Clegg & Ashley Adamson. Assistant Editor- Kelly Poor, Editor Rebecca Drummond, Production Designer, David Barrow Wiley

Nonprofits & Activism

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New Frenchtown Markers

Read more On Saturday, Nov. 28, four new markers along the Frenchtown Heritage Trail will be unveiled. The John G. Riley Center and Museum will offer two ways for residents and visitors to enjoy the expanded trail – virtually online or via a self-guided, socially distanced walk. If taking the virtual route, visit rileymuseum.org and click “Frenchtown Heritage Trail Virtual Storymap” to experience the history of Frenchtown from the comfort of home. For those wishing to explore the trail in person, printed maps and brochures will be available at the Riley Museum trailhead table on the north side of the Renaissance Center, located at 435 N. Macomb Street. The unveiling event is self-guided, and event planners ask that everyone wear a mask and remain socially distanced along the trail. Frenchtown is the oldest community in Tallahassee that was settled in and occupied exclusively by African Americans after the American Civil War ended in 1865. The land was previously owned by the Marquis de Lafayette, a Frenchman who was awarded 23,000 acres by President George Washington for service during the Revolutionary War. During the Segregation Era, the community was a thriving mecca of diverse businesses and churches. It even had its own school (Lincoln School, 1869-1969) to serve the bustling neighborhood. The community was home to many African American educators, business owners and religious and civic leaders. After a decline in the 70s and 80s, the residents who remained, along with newly located residents, are working to see it thrive again. The trail is a vital component of that revitalization. Research, education and discovery remain a focus of the John G. Riley Center and Museum’s mission and purpose through its educational programs that promote history and culture. Its tours and exhibits bring an awareness of and appreciation for the contributions African Americans have made to our community and to society. It is located at 419 E. Jefferson Street in the historic Riley House, constructed in 1890, and is operated and maintained by the City of Tallahassee.

Nonprofits & Activism

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HOW YOU CAN HELP

Your generous support ensures the continuation of our heritage education programs, community engagement, and the curation of our annual exhibits.

Upcoming Events

Visit the Legacy & Learning exhibit to see actual artifacts of early inventions that have evolved over time.

Riley  Historical Fun Facts

The Riley House lot was purchased for  $125! 

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LATEST NEWS.

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Contact Us

Contact our office with any questions or concerns and join the John G. Riley Center & Museum mailing list and receive up-to-date information about our exhibits, events, fundraisers, and other community information.

© 2021 by JOHN G. RILEY CENTER/MUSEUM. 

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Museum Address

419 E. Jefferson Street

Tallahassee, FL 32301

Phone

(850) 891-3560

Email

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