Tallahassee Museum of Florida History: Sunshine State History and Culture
The Tallahassee Museum of Florida History is dedicated to preserving the unique cultural and historical legacy of the Sunshine State, using artifacts and exhibits with interpretive information to educate and entertain. The Tallahassee Museum of Florida History, located not far from Florida's Historic Capitol in downtown Tallahassee, is free to the public seven days a week, though donations are welcome. It contains thousands of items and records detailing everything about Florida from its pre-Columbian peoples to modern politics.
The museum was established by an act of the Florida Legislature in 1967, but didn't actually open to the public until May 1977. Its mission is to "collect, preserve, exhibit and interpret evidence of past and present cultures in Florida, and promote knowledge and appreciation of this heritage."
As a state history museum, its focus is on eras and items unique to Florida's evolution, and on roles significant Floridians have played in state, national and international events.
The American Association of Museums accredited the Museum of Florida History in 1986. The venue annually attracts nearly 60,000 visitors.
The exhibits gallery in the R.A. Gray Building presents Florida history from the prehistoric era to the mid-20th century, including an amazing mastodon skeleton and a diorama of native village life before European settlers.
All together, the museum boasts 27,000 square feet of exhibit space, with more than 45,300 artifacts preserved, representing the entire state of Florida.
In addition to hosting traveling exhibits, the museum has several permanent exhibits: "Florida in the Civil War" looks at Florida's role as one of the youngest and least-populated states to join the Confederacy. "Florida Remembers World War II" documents the state's response to the war, including patriotic activities on the home front and the establishment of military training bases throughout the state. "Florida on the High Seas" profiles the 10 vessels that have borne the state's name during the 18th and 19th centuries. "Forever Changed: La Florida 1513-1821" examines the meeting of native and European cultures, and is scheduled to open in 2013.
The museum staff also coordinates the Florida History Fair program, an annual statewide activity that enhances the teaching and learning of history at elementary and secondary levels. The current museum director is Jeana Brunson.
Posted on Mar 24, 2011 by Christopher Lloyd
