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Traveling has always been a passion of mine. There is nothing more exciting than a spontaneous road trip; the open road and a map of potential destinations is all I need to get into the traveling spirit. So, when I was given the incredible opportunity to travel to Tallahassee for an African American Heritage visit I was honored. I knew I would see some amazing places and wanted to share some of my experiences with my readers.
During my first official day in the sunshine state and wonderful city of Tallahassee I visited 4 amazing sites that were home to a treasure trove of interesting facts and rich history.
The Black Archives Research Center is made up of records relating the history of Africans and African Americans. These records include their institutions as well as their organizations. The Archives are also home to manuscripts, rare books, journals, magazines, photographs and other great, history rich materials. Some of these include:
- D.E Williams- Negro Schools in Florida Photographic Collection
- Floy Britt- 4H Collection
- Benjamin and Dorothy Holmes- Black Church Collection
- John F. Matheus- Harmlem Renaissance Collection
- Ruby Diamond- Music Collection
Said to be constructed by free black builder, George Proctor, in 1843, Knott House has a long history of tenants as well as important historic events. On May 20, 1865, Brigadier General Edward M. McCook declared the Emancipation Proclamation in effect, thereby announcing the freedom of all enslaved persons in the greater Tallahassee region.
In 1883, the house was bought by a local physician by the name of George Betton, who lived in the house until 1928 when the Knott family became it’s residents.
During their stay in the house, the Knott family added it’s grand columns along with other renovations and remained it’s occupants until 1985. When their son, Charlie, died the house was turned over to the Historic Tallahassee Preservation Board who, after extensive renovations, opened it as a museum to the public in 1992.
One of my favorite stops on day 1 by far, the Civil Rights Heritage SideWalk depicts the story of the city’s bus boycott in 1956. It also shows the story of the 3 year lunch counter sit-in demonstrations that took place from 1960 to 1963. The living history exhibit is free and pen to the public at all times. If you are in the area, the Civil Rights Heritage Sidewalk is a must to visit and experience.
The sidewalk is home to 16 terrazzo panels that tells of the historic events that took place and includes all of the names of local Civil Rights leaders and other activists who also participated in the protests. 
Be sure to follow along this week as I share additional Tallahassee, Florida attractions and museum. Your upcoming Tallahassee vacation will be a breeze after reading my #IHeartTally series.
What an amazing EXPERIENCE. I would love to go there and see it for myself one day.
Wow – so much history in one place! I bet it was an amazing experience to get to be part of it!
I definitely would enjoy seeing all this as I certainly remember a lot of it when I was growing up! One of my most poignant memories is driving through the south from New York. We stopped to get something to drink–here was a sign that said no Blacks allowed-My Dad said if Blacks aren’t allowed then we aren’t going in there either–we waited until we found another place to get a drink.
I love finding smaller museums when I travel. They tend to teach you so much more about a place than larger ones do.
Wow! So much history in one place! I wish that I had the opportunity to travel more!
Wow that sidewalk is such a massive part of American history. I’ve never seen it for myself!
I haven’t ever travelled to Tallahassee, but it sounds like I need to. I love to experience our nation’s history by visiting locations of historical significance.
The Walk With Dignity quote…how beautiful!
I would love to visit Tallahassee! There are so many awesome places out there to explore and learn about.
I LOVE historical places, so I’d absolutely love to visit the same places you did. Knott House would probably be my favorite because I enjoy thinking back to what it might have been like to live back then.
There is an African American museum where I live, but it doesn’t compare to anything like this. I love learning about my African American heritage, so I will definitely have to keep these places in mind!
This sounds like an amazing historical experience indeed and I would so love to visit these places one day. I have always loved to learn all about historical events, people, etc that which all have meaning. Thanks for sharing.