Tallahassee observes Emancipation Day with church bells, re-enactment celebrations
The City of Tallahassee recognizes May 20 as Emancipation Day.
On this date in 1865, the Emancipation Proclamation was read on the steps of the Knott House by General Edward McCook. That's when the enslaved in Florida learned they were free — two years after the document was issued by President Abraham Lincoln.
Southside Festival : Celebrate the Soul of Southside Tallahassee this week with drum line, fish fry and more
Concert: Adrian Morris brings gift of song to Soul of Southside festival
Community action: Tallahassee seeks community input for Southside Action Plan
The Tallahassee City Commission approved May 20 as a paid holiday for City employees in November 2020.
"The Emancipation Proclamation freed nearly 4 million people, but it took time for that news to travel. For the more than 8,000 enslaved people in Leon County in 1865, May 20 was their freedom day. Commemorating this event can help us better understand our history and how its legacy impacts the present," Tallahassee City Commissioner Dianne Williams-Cox said.
Ways to commemorate Emancipation Day
The City of Tallahassee supports the 20th of May - Emancipation in Florida programs, presented by the Knott House Museum and the John G. Riley Center/Museum. The free, multi-day event includes:
Thursday, May 19
4-7 p.m. - "Watching for Freedom, the Dawn of a New Day: Traditions, Customs and Reflections." Dr. Natalie R. King-Pedroso and Cotton Boll Collective will reflect on Freedom Eve and past Emancipation Day celebrations in Florida communities. The event will take place in Parkview at Cascades, 414 E. Bloxham St.
Friday, May 20
9 a.m. - Church bells in Tallahassee ring to celebrate Florida's Emancipation Day
10 a.m. - John G. Riley Center/Museum Civil War Commemorative Service. Local schoolkids will decorate the graves of Civil War era Union soldiers buried at Old City Cemetery, 400 W. Park Ave. The 2nd Infantry Regiment United States Colored Troops will preside.
11:30 a.m. - Historical reenactment and reading of the Emancipation Proclamation. Speeches and music will be performed on the steps of the Knott House Museum, 301 E. Park Ave., where the Emancipation Proclamation was first read in Florida. Historian and FAMU Distinguished Professor Dr. Larry Rivers will provide the keynote address. Free lunch and family activities will follow across the street in Lewis Park.
1-4 p.m. - Tours of The Grove Museum, 902 N. Monroe St. Tours will be offered hourly. The State Archives of Florida will be on site with documents related to emancipation in Florida.
2-4 p.m. - Free admission to local history sites: Goodwood Museum and Gardens, 1600 Miccosukee Road; The Grove Museum; Tallahassee Museum, 3945 Museum Drive; John G. Riley Center/Museum, 419 E. Jefferson St.; Museum of Florida History, 500 S. Bronough St.
3 p.m. - Guest Speakers at Tallahassee Museum: Gloria Jefferson Anderson and Hunter Hill will discuss the history of slavery, emancipation and celebration in Leon County.
7-11 p.m. - Emancipation & Abolitionist Ball, presented the 2nd Infantry Regiment United States Colored Troops Living History Association. Held at the National Guard Armory, 1225 Easterwood Drive, the ball is the 2nd USCT's annual fundraiser. This formal event highlights the era with dinner, entertainment and attire representative of the period. A highlight of the evening is the presentation of the Althemese Barnes Historic Preservation Award. To purchase ball tickets online for a $50 donation, go to RileyMuseum.org.
Never miss a story: Subscribe to the Tallahassee Democrat using the link at the top of the page.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Tallahassee observes Emancipation Day with celebrations May 20
