20th of May - Emancipation Season of Celebration
Sat, May 16
|Tallahassee
Celebrate Tallahassee’s 20th of May Emancipation observance with a series of events that commemorate freedom, reflect on the meaning of emancipation, and bring the community together through history, culture, and remembrance.
Time & Location
May 16, 2026, 7:00 PM – May 23, 2026, 11:30 AM
Tallahassee, Tallahassee, FL, USA
About the event
About the Event Series
Each year, the 20th of May marks a powerful moment in Tallahassee’s history—the local observance of emancipation and the end of slavery in Florida. In that spirit, the 2nd Infantry Regiment United States Colored Troops (USCT) Living History Association presents a dynamic series of programs that bring this history to life.
Through immersive living history demonstrations, commemorative ceremonies, and celebratory gatherings, these events highlight the experiences of African American soldiers, families, and communities during and after the Civil War. From the solemn tribute at gravesides to the energy of reenactments and the elegance of the annual ball, each program offers a different way to engage with this shared past.
Event Schedule
Walk Through Living History Day in the Park
Schedule
6 hoursWalk Through Living History Day in the Park
Speed Spencer Stephens Park
1 hour 30 minutesGraveside Ceremony and Reading of the Emancipation Proclamation
Old City Cemetery