RILEY CENTER & MUSEUM

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

Luke and Leila's Tallahassee Adventure

In celebration of the release of the John G. Riley Center & Museum's latest publication, Luke and Leila's Tallahassee Adventure, we are hosting a BOOK LAUNCH PARTY featuring a LUKE AND LEILA MEET AND GREET at the LeRoy Collins Leon County Public Library (200 W Park Ave) on SATURDAY MAY 11TH, 2024 at 1 PM.

Books will be available for advanced purchase at our website's gift shop ahead of the May 11th event at the LeRoy Collins Library. Books are available for pick-up at the event or after May 11th at the Riley Museum Tuesdays-Thursdays from 10 AM to 4 PM. Books will NOT be available for purchase at the event.

Come and meet the stars of the book and Tallahassee's newest scavenger hunt leaders! Having visited over 15 historic sites during their latest adventure, Luke and Leila are sure to tell you all they know and love about our Capital City. We invite you and your family, and this is an event for all ages!

Luke and Leila's Tallahassee Adventure: The travel book follows Luke and Leila on a scavenger hunt around Tallahassee, highlighting the historic sites around town. This book is educational and engaging, showcasing such sites as the Old Capitol and the two universities, as well as the Grove Museum and the Museum of Florida History — over 28 sites in total. Readers can go on an actual scavenger hunt with questions from our participating sites at the back of the book. Luke and Leila’s Tallahassee Adventure is perfect for youth ages 3-9 years old but is enjoyed by visitors and residents of all ages. With so many sites and engaging illustrations, this book is sure to teach you something new about Florida’s capital city.

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.

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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.

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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