![\"Brian](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/4d3c8822f17ee4c7a5e6c4dab0e346d3.jpeg\"\/)
<\/p>\nImmerse yourself in history as the City of Tallahassee and community partners observe Florida\u2019s Emancipation Day. The holiday recognizes May 20, 1865, when the Emancipation Proclamation was read on the steps of the Knott House by General Edward McCook.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Brian Bibeau plays the role of Brigadier General Edward McCook as he recites the Emancipation Proclamation at the Knott House Museum Steps in 2015.<\/p>\n
That’s when the enslaved in Florida learned they were free \u2014 two years after the document was issued by President Abraham Lincoln.<\/p>\n
Throughout the month, there are many ways to commemorate Emancipation Day. The City of Tallahassee supports the 20th of May \u2013 Emancipation in Florida project, presented by the Knott House Museum and the John G. Riley Center & Museum. The free, multi-day event includes the following family-friendly activities:<\/p>\n
Saturday, May 16<\/p>\n
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. “Walk Through Living History” at Speed-Spencer-Stephens Park, 1907 Saxon St. The 2nd Infantry Regiment United States Colored Troops (USCT) hosts this living history celebration and commemoration of the reading of the Emancipation Proclamation in Florida. It\u2019s a great, interactive event for all ages.<\/p>\n
Monday, May 18<\/p>\n
Tour restored African American cemeteries:<\/p>\n
11 a.m. to noon Houstoun Cemetery Commemoration Ceremony, presented by the City of Tallahassee, at Capital City Country Club,1601 Golf Terrace. A shuttle from the parking lot will be provided to the ceremony site.<\/p>\n
1-2 p.m. Betton Hill Cemetery on Betton Road<\/p>\n
2-3 p.m. Munree Cemetery on Edenfield Road at Miccosukee Road<\/p>\n
3-4 p.m. Hickory Hill Cemetery at Welaunee Trail on Miccosukee Road<\/p>\n
![\"Students](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/53136ac46ef4b08eb6b8385f18c50985.jpeg\"\/)
<\/p>\n
Students from the Brownsville Preparatory Institute sing “Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing” at the Knott House Museum to celebrate Florida Emancipation Day Tuesday, May 20, 2025.<\/p>\n
Tuesday, May 19<\/p>\n
8:30 a.m. Journey to Emancipation in Florida Conference at Parkview at Cascades (registration required). Hosted by the Florida Black American Heritage Preservation Network (FAAHPN), enjoy a keynote speech at 9 a.m. by Dr. Rik Stevenson, a retired pastor and professor at United Theological Seminary. Dr. Stevenson will speak on African American theology and his archaeological research on sunken slave vessels.<\/p>\n
![\"Brian](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/2e71d4be4047c6ee30d43856132435a6.jpeg\"\/)
<\/p>\n
Brian Bibeau portraying Brigadier General Edward McCook reads the Emancipation Proclamation during the Emancipation Day celebration on Monday, May 20, 2024.<\/p>\n
Wednesday, May 20 \u2013 Emancipation Day<\/p>\n
10 a.m. John G. Riley Center & Museum Civil War Commemorative Service at Old City Cemetery, 400 W. Park Ave. The 2nd Infantry Regiment USCT will dedicate a 21-gun salute to fallen Union soldiers. Members of the community will decorate the graves of Civil War soldiers.<\/p>\n
11 a.m. Church bells in Tallahassee will ring for two minutes to announce the dawning of the special day of freedom.<\/p>\n
11:30 a.m. Dramatic reading of the Emancipation Proclamation on the steps of the Knott House Museum, 301 E. Park Avenue. In the place where the Emancipation Proclamation was first read in Florida, this year’s program features State Historic Preservation Officer Alissa Lotane and Dr. Larry E. Rivers, distinguished professor of history at Florida A&M University, and music by Christopher White and Brownsville Preparatory Institute students. After the program, free lunch and family-friendly activities will follow in Lewis Park, across from the Knott House Museum.<\/p>\n
Historic sites open<\/p>\n
Historic sites open from 2-4 p.m. May 20:<\/p>\n
Florida Historic Capitol Museum, 400 S. Monroe St.<\/p>\n
The Grove Museum, 902 N. Monroe St.<\/p>\n
John G. Riley Center & Museum, 419 E. Jefferson St.<\/p>\n
Union Bank Museum, 219 Apalachee Parkway<\/p>\n
Events are free and open to the public. For more information about these and other Emancipation Day events, visit 20thofMay.com or call the City’s John G. Riley Center & Museum at 850-891-3563.<\/p>\n
City offices closed<\/p>\n
The City of Tallahassee\u2019s administrative offices will be closed on May 20 in observance of the holiday. The Tallahassee City Commission approved the paid holiday to honor Florida\u2019s history in November 2020.<\/p>\n
Garbage service<\/p>\n
During the holiday week, some residential customers will receive garbage and recycling service one day later than regularly scheduled. This includes garbage, recycling, bulky items and yard waste, which will impact blue week customers:<\/p>\n
StarMetro<\/p>\n
StarMetro, the City’s mass transit system, will operate a regular schedule with night service for the holiday on Wednesday, May 20. Dial-A-Ride will operate from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m., and the Call Center will be open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.<\/p>\n
Animal service and parks<\/p>\n
The Animal Service Center will be closed on Wednesday, May 20. Normal hours will resume on Thursday, May 21. City-run community centers will also be closed. For details, visit Talgov.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n