The John Gilmore Riley House is a historic home in Tallahassee, Florida. It is located at 419 East Jefferson Street. On August 1, 1978, it was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.Use our Tallahassee road trip site to add John G. Riley House & Museum and other attractions to your Tallahassee vacation plans.
John G. Riley was a prominent member of the African American community in Tallahassee. He was born a slave in 1857 and died a millionaire in 1954. Riley was the principal of the Lincoln Academy from 1892 until 1926. This school was later named Lincoln High School. The house, a vernacular wood framed home, was constructed in 1895 and remained in the family until 1970. Today it is known as the John G. Riley Center/Museum of African American History and Culture.
Constructed in 1890, the Riley House is the last physical evidence of a thriving middle-class African American community that existed in downtown Tallahassee at the turn of the 20th century. More than a historical landmark, the house is a noble witness to progress and the ability of its owner to succeed despite the odds. Unlike many other historic facilities in Tallahassee, the Riley House has humble beginnings. There was no dramatic transfer by will; neither did it come with a trust account or other means to help sustain operations or address perpetual needs of maintenance and security.
The original owner, John Gilmore Riley, was born into slavery in 1857. A largely self-taught person, he was chosen on December 1, 1881, to teach at Lincoln High School in Tallahassee and on September 10, 1892 he was selected principal of the school and served until retirement in 1926. Lincoln was one of three freedmen schools in Florida to provide secondary instruction for former slaves and their descendents.
Source
Create an itinerary including John G. Riley House & Museum
© OpenMapTiles © OpenStreetMap contributors
John G. Riley House & Museum reviews
-
Near Cascades Park, the John G. Riley House and Museum's temporary exhibit of women who impacted Smokey Hollow was very informative. We were there at the right time to learn not only about John G... more »
-
Traveled to Orlando for The Thanksgiving holiday. Usually when I’m traveling on pleasure I like to find something cultural to do. This stop over in Tallahassee proved to be a treat. The museum is... more »
-
The Mr. Riley figure was life like. The history behind the land and Mr. Riley was very interesting. We were escorted by a young lady from the FAMU New Student Orientation team and she did an outstanding job in presenting the facts of the home and Mr. Riley.
-
Brings consciousness about African American fight for their rights.
Plan your trip to Tallahassee
Get a personalized trip
A complete day by day itinerary
based on your preferencesCustomize it
Refine your trip. We'll find the
best routes and schedulesManage it
Everything in one place.
Everyone on the same page.
Popular things to do in Tallahassee
Side trips from Tallahassee
Museums in Tallahassee
Historic Sites in Tallahassee
Hidden gems in Tallahassee
Trips to John G. Riley House & Museum by other users
11 days in United States
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
Miami
Tampa
Tallahassee
13 days in Lake City
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
BUFFALO Joe's Tube Center
Ichetucknee Springs State Park
Poe Springs Park
8 days in Florida
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
Orlando
Vero Beach
Sarasota
15 days in Florida Panhandle
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
Pensacola
Tallahassee
Apalachicola
11 days in Tallahassee & Orlando
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
Tallahassee
Orlando
15 days in Tallahassee
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
Madison Blue Springs State Park
Wild Adventures Theme Park
Lowndes County Historical Society and Museum