Special Tours

Museum of Florida History Highlights Tours - These are guided tours offered Monday through Saturday 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. and on Sundays at 2:30 p.m. The tour is approximately 20 minutes long and offers visitors a time to travel from prehistoric Florida to the present. For more information, contact 850-245-6400.  Museum of Florida History, free.

The Knott House Museum Tour - Although, its history can be traced as far back as the Civil War when the Emancipation Proclamation was announced, the historic house is now restored to its early 20th-century appearance when the house was occupied by politician William Knott and his wife, Luella. Mrs. Knott composed verses about many of the items in her home and hosted social gatherings. For information about tours and special events, call 922-2459.  Tours offered Wednesday-Friday, on the hour at 1:00, 2:00, and 3:00 p.m.; Saturday tours start at 10:00 a.m. and last tour starts at 3:00 p.m., free.

Ongoing

First Friday Gallery Hop - The Museum of Florida History, the Heritage Gallery, and the Arts Learning Gallery have extended hours the first Friday of each month (except for May) as part of COCA's First Friday Gallery Hop to showcase current and permanent exhibits. The History Shop is also open. Hours are 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.   Museum of Florida History, free.

Second Saturday Family Programs - The second Saturday of each month from 11:00 am to 12:00 noon, the Museum hosts programs for ages 10 years and younger. Hands-on crafts and storytelling will highlight a different theme each month. Children must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of activity.   Museum of Florida History, free.

3rd Thursdays at the Museum - The Museum has extended hours the third Thursday of each month until 8:00 p.m. Special tours, programs, and food are included in the evening's activities. A local restaurant caters the food for $10 per person for members and $15 per person for nonmembers. Each month highlights a different theme. The History Shop is also open until 8:00 p.m.  Museum of Florida History, free.

The Florida Highwaymen - Eight paintings from the Museum's collection of original Highwaymen work are on exhibit in the Museum. Two additional Highwaymen paintings are located in a separate gallery also in the Museum. These artists got their start in the Fort Pierce area in the 1950s, and sold their art along the highway in the 1960s-1970s. The Museums of Florida History Foundation, Inc. has donated several of these paintings to the Museum collection. The Dixie Folk Art Gallery donated the Museum's first Highwaymen painting in 1999.   Museum Main Gallery, free.

Happy 30th Birthday to the Museum - The Museum of Florida History kicked off a year-long celebration of its 30th anniversary of serving the public with a big birthday party on May 17, 2007. Special emphasis on memberships, fund-raising, and other significant programs will be promoted throughout the year.   Museum Main Gallery, free.

November 15, 2007 - June 1, 2008

Seminole People of Florida: Survival and Success - A new exhibit detailing the history of the Seminole people in Florida from the 1850s to the present. More than 150 artifacts, a recreated trading post, and a traditional Seminole dwelling called a chickee will help tell the story of a culture that has survived and become very successful. Museum Main Gallery, free.

November 15, 2007 - June 1, 2008

Life, Legends and History of the Seminoles - This exhibit includes works by "The Barefoot Artist," Guy LaBree. The collection of art by Mr. LaBree is presented in conjunction with the new exhibit Seminole People of Florida: Survival and Success. Florida Heritage Gallery, free.

February 29 - April 30, 2008

Florida Women Win the Vote - In celebration of Women's History Month, the new Curator's Choice exhibit will highlight the women's suffrage movement. Artifacts from the early 20th century donated by women's rights activitist Roxcy Bolton are included in the display along with campaign buttons and other memorabilia promoting the power of women. Museum Main Gallery, free.

May 10, 2008

Second Saturday Family Programs - The Museum hosts Family Programs every second Saturday for ages 5 to 10 years. This month highlights the Seminole culture. A parent must accompany children. Times are 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. Museum Main Gallery, free.

May 12 - August 31, 2008

Sunshine and Sand - The new Curator's Choice exhibit provides a brief history of the Florida beach as a leisure time destination. The exhibit will show how visitors have changed over the last century, from the wealthy, to the average American, to military personnel. Museum Main Gallery, free.

May 15, 2008

3rd Thursdays - May's 3rd Thursday will feature a special appearance by Seminole Bobby Henry in conjunction with the exhibit, "Seminole People of Florida." The Red Elephant caters the food and drinks for $10 for members and $15 for nonmembers. Times are 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. The History Shop is also open until 8:00 p.m. Museum Main Gallery, free.

May 20, 2008

Emancipation Day Celebration - The Knott House Museum hosts this annual event that commemorates the announcement of the Emancipation Proclamation in Tallahassee. The ceremony includes speeches, the reading of the emancipation announcement, music, and a picnic in Lewis Park across the street. Times are 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Museum Main Gallery, free.

June 12 - September 7, 2008

Art From the Heart - A collection of 12 pieces of mixed mediums from nursing care facilities around the state are on exhibit. Heritage Gallery, free.

June 14, 2008

Second Saturday Family Programs - The Museum hosts family programs for children, ages 5 to 10 years every second Saturday. Hands-on crafts and storytelling highlight a new topic each month. A parent must accompany children. Times are 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. Museum Main Gallery, free.

June 19, 2008

3rd Thursdays - The Museum has extended hours every third Thursday for special programs, tours, and entertainment. A local restaurant caters the food and drinks for $10 for members and $15 for nonmembers. The History Shop is also open. Times are 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Museum Main Gallery, free.

June 20 - August 10, 2008

Pets in America - The story of our lives with animals at home is reflected in the exhibit which traces its history with enlightening stories and images. The opening event to feature activities for the whole family is scheduled for Saturday, June 21. Museum Main Gallery, free.

July 7 - 11, 2008

Poetry to Last a Lifetime, Session I - Write some fun into your summer schedule. This workshop, designed for middle school students, is taught by a highly-qualified teacher. Students will gain the inspiration to be creative. Young people will also meet other creative students. Registration is necessary. Call 850.922.2459. Knott House Museum, fee.

July 12, 2008

Second Saturday Family Programs - The Museum hosts programs for children, ages 5 to 10 years. Hands-on crafts and storytelling highlight new themes each month. A parent must accompany children. Times are 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. Museum Main Gallery, free.

July 14 - 18, 2008

Poetry to Last a Lifetime: Session 2 - This workshop, designed for high school students, is taught by a highly-qualified teacher who creates a relaxed and friendly environment. Students will receive constructive criticism and feedback and be able to share their work with peers and published poets. Registration is necessary. Call 850.922.2459 for more information. Knott House Museum, fee.

July 17, 2008

3rd Thursdays - The Museum has extended hours for programs, tours, music, and films. A local restaurant caters the food and drinks for $10 for members and $15 for nonmembers. The History Shop is open. Times are 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Museum Main Gallery, free.

July 19, 2008

Poetry Reading - A Poetry Reading with students who have attended the poetry workshops will take place at the Knott House, corner of Park Avenue and Calhoun Street, downtown Tallahassee, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. The students get an opportunity to read their work before an audience and alongside published poets. Anhinga Press and the Apalachee Review help to sponsor this program. Knott House Museum, free.

August 9, 2008

Second Saturday Family Programs - Designed for children, ages 5 to 10 years of age, hands-on crafts and storytelling highlight a new theme each month. A parent must accompany children. Times are 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. Museum Main Gallery, free.

August 21, 2008

3rd Thursdays - The Museum has extended hours for programs, tours, and entertainment. A local restaurant caters the food and drinks for $10 for members and $15 for nonmembers. The History Shop is open for shopping. Times are 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Museum Main Gallery, free.

August 28 - November 9, 2008

Through the Looking Glass - The 27th annual Capital City Quilt Show features beautifully crafted quilts from members of Quilters Unlimited of Tallahassee. Visitors can qualify for a chance to win the "opportunity quilt" which is given away at the close of the exhibit or bid on silent auction items throughout the run of the exhibit. Museum Main Gallery, free.

September 13, 2008

Second Saturday Family Programs - Hands-on crafts and storytelling for children, ages 5 to 10 years. A parent must accompany children. Times are 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. Museum Main Gallery, free.

September 18, 2008

3rd Thursdays - Extended hours for special programs, tours, and entertainment. A local restaurant caters the food and drinks for $10 for members and $15 for nonmembers. The History Shop is open for shopping. Times are 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Museum Main Gallery, free.

September 18 - December 7, 2008

Hidden Talents - The second annual exhibit showcasing Department of State employees' creative work. Heritage Gallery, free.

October 11, 2008

Second Saturday Family Programs - Hands-on crafts and storytelling for children, ages 5 to 10 years. A parent must accompany children. Times are 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. Museum Main Gallery, free.

October 16, 2008

3rd Thursdays - Extended hours for programs, tours, and entertainment. A local restaurant caters the food and drinks for $10 for members and $15 for nonmembers. The History Shop is open. Times are 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Museum Main Gallery, free.

November 8, 2008

Second Saturday Family Programs - Each month a craft and story highlight a new theme for ages 5 to 10 years. A parent must accompany children. Times are 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. Museum Main Gallery, free.

November 20, 2008

3rd Thursdays - The Museum has extended hours for programs, music, and tours. A local restaurant caters the food and drinks for a fee. The History Shop is open for shopping. Times are 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Museum Main Gallery, free.

November 20, 2008 - March 1, 2009

Florida's Got the Blues - Many notable blues artists had roots in Florida and they are featured in the exhibit which also includes artifacts, memorabilia, photos, records, and more. Museum Main Gallery, free.

December 6, 2008

Holiday Open House - The Knott House Museum hosts this annual event in conjunction with the Festival of Lights, downtown Tallahassee. The historic site is decorated in vintage decorations. Musical entertainment, tours, and refreshments are included in the evening's activities. Times are 5:30 to 9:00 p.m. Knott House Museum, free.

December 13, 2008

Second Saturday Family Programs - Designed for ages 5 to 10 years, themed crafts and storytelling vary from month to month. A parent must accompany children. Times are 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. Museum Main Gallery, free.