Join us for a reenactment of the reading of the Emancipation Proclamation held annually on the steps of the Knott House Museum.
Gather at the steps of the Knott House Museum for an annual reenactment of the reading of the Emancipation Proclamation, a poignant tradition that brings to life a pivotal moment in history. With reverence and reflection, attendees honor the proclamation's proclamation of freedom for enslaved individuals, connecting with the profound struggle and triumph that defined this era. Events include a commemorative grave decorating service, union soldier reenactment, with twenty-one-gun salute, in tribute to fallen soldiers, a historical tradition of the ancestors, a live string quartet, and a free lunch. Join us in commemorating this important milestone and embracing the enduring legacy of emancipation.
This is a free event. No pre-registration is required.
2024/05/20 - 2024/05/20
Additional time info:
SIGNATURE EVENTS
9:00 a.m. Church bells in the Tallahassee area will ring for 2 minutes to announce the dawning of the special day of freedom.
10:00 a.m. John G. Riley Center/Museum Civil War Commemorative Service at the Old City Cemetery
Commemorative Grave Decorating Service, and Union Soldier Reenactment, with twenty-one-gun salute, in tribute to fallen soldiers, a historical tradition of the ancestors. Commissioner Bill Proctor will lead children from Kingdom Life Preparatory Academy and the public in decorating the graves of fallen Civil War soldiers.
11:30 a.m. Dramatic reading of the Emancipation Proclamation
Speeches and music are presented on the front steps of the Knott House Museum. This year’s program features a special guest performance by John Anderson portraying Frederick Douglass and the Mina String Quartet from the Tallahassee
Symphony Orchestra. After the program, free lunch and activities are available in Lewis Park across from the Knott House Museum.
EVENTS ARE FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.
OTHER EVENTS
2:00—4:00 p.m., “Follow the Drinking Gourd!” at The Grove Museum
Join The Grove Museum for a special tour that explores different routes enslaved African Americans took towards freedom. Utilizing maps, oral stories, primary sources, and active engagement, visitors can formulate a narrative about the pathways individuals took after Emancipation.
7:00—11:00p.m., Emancipation and Abolitionist Ball at the National Guard Armory (admission charge)
This formal event highlights the era with a special menu, entertainment, and attire representative of the period. Highlights include historical presentations by the 2nd USCT and guests, and the presentation of the Althemese Barnes Historic Preservation Award to Mr. Eluster Richardson. For more information and for tickets visit https://www.the2ndusctlha.org/
Knott House Museum
301 East Park Avenue, Tallahassee, FL 32301