Museum of Florida History | Tallahassee

The Museum of Florida History is a significant cultural and educational institution located in Tallahassee, Florida. It serves as the state's official history museum, providing visitors with an in-depth look at Florida's rich history, from its prehistoric times to the present day. Established in 1977, the museum is housed in the R.A. Gray Building and offers a combination of permanent and temporary exhibits, showcasing the diverse and unique aspects of Florida’s past.

Museum Location and Setting

The Museum of Florida History is located at:

500 South Bronough Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399.

The museum is situated within the R.A. Gray Building, a central location in Florida’s capital, providing visitors easy access to the state’s historical and governmental landmarks.

Key Exhibits

1. Permanent Exhibits:

Mastodon Skeleton:
One of the standout features of the museum is the massive mastodon skeleton. The skeleton represents Florida's prehistoric wildlife, offering a fascinating glimpse into the state's ancient past, long before human settlement.

Recreated Early Native Dwelling:
This exhibit allows visitors to step back in time to experience the lifestyle of Florida’s early Native American inhabitants. The recreated dwelling showcases the tools, crafts, and daily practices of these indigenous people, offering an educational view of their cultural heritage.

Spanish Ship and Fort:
Florida’s colonial history is explored through this exhibit, which includes models of Spanish ships and forts. These displays represent the era when Florida was a Spanish colony, with an emphasis on the state’s role in early European exploration and settlement.

Citrus Packing House:
The citrus industry is a major part of Florida’s history, and this exhibit focuses on its development and impact on the state. It features a detailed recreation of a citrus packing house, demonstrating the processes involved in the state's booming citrus industry.

Steamboat Recreation:
This exhibit offers a look at Florida’s maritime history through a recreated steamboat. Steamboats were vital to transportation in Florida, and this exhibit highlights their role in the development of the state, particularly in the 19th century.

World War II Exhibit:
This exhibit covers Florida’s involvement in World War II, exploring the experiences of soldiers and civilians. It delves into the impact of the war on the state, including the establishment of military bases and the mobilization of resources.

2. Temporary Exhibits:

The museum frequently rotates temporary exhibits that cover a wide variety of subjects. These may include art, the tourism industry, Florida’s industrial evolution, and maritime history. Each exhibit brings fresh perspectives and new themes to explore, offering visitors an ever-changing museum experience.

Some past exhibits have focused on Florida’s wildlife, the history of the Seminole Wars, and even the state's role in space exploration.

Educational Opportunities

The Museum of Florida History provides a range of educational programs for schools, families, and the general public. Through hands-on activities, special events, and lectures, the museum brings history to life for visitors of all ages. These programs are designed to engage visitors in learning about Florida’s diverse history in an interactive and meaningful way.

Temporary Closure and Maintenance

As of now, the Museum of Florida History is temporarily closed for renovations due to construction taking place on the plaza level of the R.A. Gray Building. The museum's exhibit galleries are currently inaccessible, and visitors are advised to check for updates on the museum’s website or contact the museum for reopening information.

Related Museums

Knott House Museum:
This historic house museum provides a look at 1930s life in Tallahassee. The home, dating back to the 1840s, features original furnishings and exhibits detailing the life of the Knott family from 1928 to 1941. It is currently closed for preservation and updates.

Union Bank Museum:
Located at 219 Apalachee Parkway, this museum focuses on the history of Florida’s banking system. The building itself is Florida’s oldest surviving bank building, constructed in 1841. The museum features exhibits related to banking, economics, and the role of financial institutions in the state's development.

Visitor Information

Phone: (850) 245-6400

The museum typically operates Tuesday through Saturday, and its admission is generally free, though some special exhibits or events may have fees. For the latest information on the museum’s hours, reopening, and special events, visiting the museum’s official website or contacting them directly is recommended.

Overall, the Museum of Florida History offers a detailed, fascinating, and comprehensive exploration of the state's cultural and historical heritage, making it an essential stop for those interested in learning about Florida’s past.