The John G. Riley House and Museum in Tallahassee has been chosen as a featured destination on the Florida Department of Transportation’s Great Florida Road Trip. The initiative highlights more than 100 historic landmarks and heritage sites across the state as part of the national America250 project, which commemorates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
The inclusion of the Riley House aims to showcase African American contributions to both Florida’s and the nation’s history. A sign will be installed at the museum, and it will appear in a road trip guidebook and on an interactive map featuring historic locations throughout Florida. The private non-profit foundation supporting education and exhibits at the Riley House has received $30,000 from America250FL, which is Florida’s component of the broader America250 program. These funds will support a historical panel for an upcoming 2026 exhibit focused on African Americans’ involvement in the Revolutionary War. The exhibit, titled “The World Wars and Post War Life,” will highlight contributions by Tallahassee’s African American veterans and is scheduled to open in early 2026.
The Riley House is one of the last remaining structures from Smokey Hollow, a former middle-class African American community that was prominent during the 20th century. Built in 1890 for John Gilmore Riley—a formerly enslaved man who became an educator, businessman, Mason, and civic leader—the house was saved from demolition in the 1970s through efforts led by the John Gilmore Riley Foundation. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978.
In 1996, the John G. Riley Center & Museum was established with a mission “to discover, archive and illuminate the blended interrelationship of African American, Native American and European history and to preserve African American landmarks and legacies throughout the State of Florida as an enduring public resource through tourism, education, and heritage preservation.” More information about its programs can be found at rileymuseum.org.
Other local Tallahassee sites included on this statewide tour are Florida’s Historic Capitol, Mission San Luis, Battle of Natural Bridge site, and Florida State University.
America250 was created by Congress and is coordinated by the United States Semiquincentennial Commission. According to organizers: “The commemorative efforts include a series of national and local events, educational programs and civic engagements to reflect on the nation’s progress since 1776, honor the contributions and sacrifices of Americans throughout history, promote historical understanding and renewing unity, patriotism and an appreciation of the ideals of freedom that define the United States.”
America250FL offers opportunities for Floridians and visitors to explore state history through events leading up to July 4, 2026.
