Black History Month Events at the Museum of Florida History

The Museum of Florida History is hosting public programs throughout February to celebrate Black History Month. The programs complement the current exhibit in the Museum, Civil Rights in the Sunshine State. This special exhibit is a collaborative effort of the Museum and civil rights leaders and institutions from around the state. Many of the individuals who helped with the exhibit will be participating in the February programs.

“This February the Department of State and the Museum of Florida History are proud to feature some of the significant civil rights leaders of the 20th century,” said Secretary of State Ken Detzner. “I encourage all Floridians and visitors to take advantage of these free programs.”

Civil Rights in the Sunshine State is on display through April 5, 2015 at the Museum of Florida History.

The following events take place at the Museum of Florida History in downtown Tallahassee throughout the month of February.

• Wednesdays, at 10:30 a.m. African American History Tours of the Museum: The Museum of Florida History will present free guided tours of Florida's African American history. Tours are also available upon request throughout the month.
• Every Friday, at 10:00 a.m. Highwaymen Painting Tours: The Museum of Florida History has one of the largest collections of Highwaymen paintings on public display. Get a free guided tour every Friday. For more information on the Highwaymen painters visit, http://dos.myflorida.com/cultural/programs/florida-artists-hall-of-fame/alfred-hair-and-the-florida-highwaymen/ 
• February 13, at 5:30 p.m. Paving the Way–Florida Civil Rights Pioneers: Dr. Paul Ortiz of the University of Florida moderates a panel discussion of civil rights leaders. The panel includes John Due, who was active in the statewide civil rights movement and was a member of the legal team for activist Dr. Robert Hayling; the Reverend Henry Marion Steele, who was active in the Tallahassee movement and is the son of civil rights leader C. K. Steele; and Althemese Barnes, the executive director of the John G. Riley House Museum and founder of the Florida African American Heritage Preservation Network.
• February 24, History at High Noon, Civil Rights: Dr. Anthony Dixon, a national expert in the African diaspora, will discuss the history of the diaspora in Florida and sign copies of his new book. To learn more about History at High Noon, visit http://museumoffloridahistory.com/news/calendar/fourthTuesday.cfm
• February 27, at 5:30 p.m. Women in the Civil Rights Movement: In preparation for Women’s History Month in March Dr. Paul Ortiz will moderate a discussion with three women about their experiences working with the civil rights movement. Dr. Gwendolyn Zohara Simmons of the University of Florida was active in the Freedom Summer in Mississippi and was a member of Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC). Ms. Priscilla Stephens Kruize was a leader in the Tallahassee movement and a founding member of Tallahassee CORE. Ms. Sandra Parks was active in the statewide movement in Florida.

Parking and admission for all programs is free. Breakfast and lunch are available for purchase from The Egg Express Café weekdays until 3:00 p.m. in the Museum lobby. For more information, call 850.245.6400 or go to http://bit.ly/civilrightsMFH.

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About the Museum of Florida History
The Museum of Florida History is part of the Florida Department of State’s Division of Cultural Affairs and is located in the R. A. Gray Building at 500 South Bronough Street, Tallahassee, Florida. Hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Sunday and holidays, noon to 4:30 p.m. Free parking is available in the garage next to the R. A. Gray Building.