The John G. Riley Center & Museum

07/31/2026

Explore our current exhibit, African Americans in Tallahassee: The World Wars and Post-War Life

Discover the remarkable stories of Tallahassee's African American community during World War I, World War II, and the years that followed at the John G. Riley Center & Museum. Through historic photographs, artifacts, replicas, and oral histories, this exhibition explores the courage, sacrifice, and perseverance of local and regional African Americans who served both overseas and on the home front.

From military service and community resilience to the enduring pursuit of equality, the exhibition offers a powerful look at how global conflict shaped lives in Tallahassee and helped lay the groundwork for the Civil Rights Movement.

On view through December 2026, join us for a tour to explore an important chapter of local and national history. Plan your visit today!

Learn more at https://www.rileymuseum.org/

07/24/2026

Earlier this summer, we were honored to welcome Gregory S. Cooke for an engaging presentation on the Black Rosies—the African American women whose contributions to the Second World War helped shape history.

We're happy to spotlight the Basil and Becky Educational Foundation, founded by filmmaker and historian Gregory S. Cooke. The Foundation is dedicated to educating current and future generations through storytelling that illuminates the cultural and historical experiences of African Americans and people of African descent. Their work seeks to "fill in the gaps" of history, ensuring these stories remain accessible and relevant for generations to come.

Learn more by following the Foundation on social media and visiting BBEEF.org.

07/15/2026

Calling all artists!

The John G. Riley Center & Museum is seeking three emerging artists to create original works inspired by the people, events, and enduring legacy of Leon County's Civil Rights Movement.

Selected artists will each receive a $2,000 commission, and their artwork will become part of the John G. Riley Center & Museum's permanent collection while being featured in our 2027 exhibition.

We're looking for artists who are passionate about using their creativity to tell stories, preserve history, and inspire future generations. If you're an early-career artist from Tallahassee or Leon County, we'd love to see your vision.

Scan the QR code in the graphic to learn more about the project, submission requirements, and how to apply. Additional information can also be found at the link below:
https://tallahasseearts.org/classified/john-g-riley-center-and-museum-call-for-artists/

Please help us spread the word by sharing this opportunity with artists, students, and creatives in our community.

07/09/2026

A friendly reminder that the final lecture in our annual lecture series is happening tonight!

Join us this evening for a special presentation, "Remembering the Tuskegee Airmen," by Dr. A.J. Brickler. Dr. Brickler will explore the history and legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen, the first African American military aviators in the U.S. Armed Forces, and their extraordinary service during World War II and lasting impact on American history.

Thursday, July 9
6:00–8:00 PM
LeRoy Collins Leon County Main Library
Free and open to the public. Registration is encouraged, but not required.

We hope you'll join us as we conclude another wonderful season of programs with this inspiring presentation.

Learn more and register here:

Join us for an evening with the Riley Museum where we learn about the Tuskegee Airmen, the first African American military pilots. Dr. Brickler highlights their courageous service and key contributions during World War II, and their lasting legacy in advancing military integration and civil rights.

06/24/2026

You won't want to miss the second installation of our lecture series celebrating America 250! An exciting Lunch and Learn program will take place this Friday, June 26, at 12:00 PM at the LeRoy Collins Leon County Main Library.

Lunch and Learn with the Riley Museum: Defending Democracy - African American Soldiers in the World Wars will be presented by archivist Lisa Keith-Lucas of Camp Gordon Johnston. Through this engaging presentation, Lisa will examine the experiences of African American soldiers during World War I and World War II, highlighting their service, sacrifice, and perseverance in the face of discrimination while fighting to defend democracy abroad.

Registration is encouraged, but not required. To learn more about the program and let us know you'll be joining us, please visit the link below:

https://www.rileymuseum.org/event-details/lunch-and-learn-with-the-riley-museum-defending-democracy-african-american-soldiers-in-the-world-wars

06/17/2026

The John G. Riley Center & Museum is pleased to invite you to our upcoming lecture, An Evening with the Riley Museum: Towards a More Perfect Union—Exploring America’s Civic Timeline, taking place Monday, June 22, at 6:00 p.m. at the Challenger Learning Center of Tallahassee.

In this presentation, historian, author, and social justice leader Dr. Tameka Bradley will examine America's evolving definition of citizenship and voting rights in the century following the Civil War. Beginning with the challenges of incorporating four million newly emancipated African Americans into the nation's civic life, she traces the long struggle for equal political participation through the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and explores the continuing significance of voting rights and electoral politics in the 20th and 21st centuries.

Admission is free, but registration is encouraged.
To learn more and reserve your seat, please visit:

https://www.rileymuseum.org/event-details/an-evening-with-the-riley-museum-towards-a-more-perfect-union-exploring-americas-civic-timeline

We hope to see you there!

Dr. Tameka Bradley explores the nation’s journey toward expanding citizenship and voting rights after the Civil War, highlighting key milestones from Reconstruction into the 21st century.

06/08/2026

Join the John G. Riley Center & Museum this Thursday, June 11, for an evening exploring the often-overlooked contributions of African American women during World War II.

In his lecture, filmmaker and historian Gregory S. Cooke will highlight the stories of the more than 600,000 Black women who supported the war effort while confronting racism and discrimination at home. Their labor, resilience, and determination helped shape both the war effort and the future of civil rights in America.

The lecture will take place at 6:00 p.m. at the Challenger Learning Center of Tallahassee. Admission is free, but registration is encouraged.

Learn more and reserve your spot here: https://www.rileymuseum.org/event-details/an-evening-with-the-riley-museum-black-rosies-the-african-american-heroines-of-wwii

We hope to see you there!

Join us for an evening with the Riley Museum where we hear from Gregory Cooke as he shares the overlooked experiences of African American women during World War II. Drawing from his award-winning documentary Invisible Warriors, he highlights the stories of these trailblazing pioneers.

04/14/2026

Join us on April 18 from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM for a dynamic genealogy workshop led by Dr. Juanita Gaston.

Limited spaces are available, so RSVP today! https://www.rileymuseum.org/event-details/250-years-of-presence-tracing-african-american-lives-from-1776-to-today-a-hands-on-genealogy-workshop

This interactive session will guide participants in exploring their roots, gaining a deeper understanding of where they come from, and uncovering the events and circumstances that shape unique family histories. Through hands-on research techniques and historical context, Dr. Gaston will demonstrate how tracing your ancestry can inspire, empower, and strengthen your connection to the past. Whether you are just beginning or looking to expand your research, this workshop offers valuable tools and meaningful insight into the stories that connect us across generations.

Dr. Juanita Gaston is a professional genealogist specializing in African American research, particularly in Florida, Georgia, and Alabama. She is the founder of JG RootsFinders, LLC and a founding member of the Tallahassee African American Genealogical Society, with decades of experience teaching and leading genealogy workshops in the community.

PLEASE NOTE: This workshop will be held at the Challenger Learning Center of Tallahassee.

Join Dr. Juanita Gaston for an engaging genealogy workshop focused on tracing family history and uncovering the stories that shape our identities. This session will offer insight and tools to help you better understand your roots and connect with the historical journeys of your ancestors.

04/13/2026

Join us on April 16 for an engaging evening lecture, Choosing Sides: Black Patriots, Loyalists, and the Fight for Freedom in Revolutionary Florida, presented by Dr. Shelley Viola Murphy.

This compelling program explores the experiences, decisions, and resilience of African Americans in Revolutionary-era Florida, with meaningful connections to ancestry and the importance of tracing origins. Guests will enjoy small bites and beverages, followed by a Q&A discussion with Dr. Murphy.

Dr. Murphy is the Descendant Project Researcher at the University of Virginia and a genealogist with more than 30 years of experience. She is widely recognized for her work tracing African American ancestry and for her engaging, accessible approach to family history research, and has been featured on national platforms including CNN and the Today Show.

PLEASE NOTE: This lecture will be held at the Challenger Learning Center of Tallahassee.

Learn more here:

Join us for an evening at the Riley Museum as we welcome Dr. Shelley Viola Murphy for an engaging lecture titled Choosing Sides: Black Patriots, Loyalists, and the Fight for Freedom in Revolutionary Florida.