Tallahassee Museum facts for kids
Entrance to Tallahassee Museum
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| Established | 1962 |
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| Location | Tallahassee, Florida |
The Tallahassee Museum is a special place in Tallahassee, Florida. It's a non-profit museum, which means it's run by donations and not for making money. Its main goal is to teach everyone about the amazing nature and history of the "Big Bend" area. This area is where the Florida panhandle connects to the main part of the state. Tallahassee, the capital city, is right in the middle of this interesting region.
Contents
Discovering Tallahassee Museum's Past
The idea for the museum started in 1957. It was first called the "Tallahassee Junior Museum." Later, its name was changed to the "Tallahassee Museum." Even today, some people still use the older name. In 1962, the museum moved to its current home. This large area is about 52 acres (210,000 square meters). It sits between two lakes, Lake Bradford and Lake Hiawatha, in Leon County, Florida.
Exploring Museum Exhibits and Fun
The Tallahassee Museum is great because it has so many different things to see and do. Its exhibits are very varied. The museum also has many spaces that can be used for different activities and events.
Step Back in Time at Big Bend Farm
A big part of the museum shows what farm life was like in north Florida around the year 1880. You can see old homes and gardens. There are also farm buildings with real farm animals. You can even find a gristmill, which grinds grain. There is also a turpentine commissary, which was a store for workers.
Meet Animals in Wildlife Florida
Another large section of the museum is all about Florida's wildlife. Many animals live in big, green areas. These areas look a lot like their natural homes. You can see black bears, white-tailed deer, and bobcats. The museum also cares for endangered animals. These include red wolves and Florida panthers. There are also places for birds called aviaries. You can see a snake exhibit and small mammals too. A special "guest" animal habitat was added in 1988.
The museum has "Animal Encounters" twice a day. During these times, a staff member will show an animal. They will also teach you interesting facts about it. You might see birds of prey, snakes, a rabbit, or even a skunk. Many of the animals used for these lessons have been hurt. This is especially true for the birds of prey. Because these animals cannot live in the wild, they are cared for at the museum. They help teach people about wildlife.
Historic Buildings of Old Florida
The "Old Florida" part of the museum has many important historical buildings. One is the 19th-century Bellevue Plantation. This was once the home of Catherine Murat. She was related to George Washington. She was also married to Napoleon Bonaparte's nephew, Achille Murat.
You can also see the 1937 Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church. This church was started by Rev. James Page, who was a slave preacher. The 1897 Concord School house is also there. It reminds us of early schools for African-American children. Finally, there is a 1920s caboose, which is the last car on a freight train.
Learning and Art in Florida & Beyond
This section has the Fleischmann Natural Science Building. Inside, you'll find two aquariums with freshwater fish. It also has places for bird watching. The Phipps Gallery shows different art exhibits. These exhibits focus on local art, culture, and history. The Discovery Center is a fun, hands-on area for families. Here, you can learn about the natural history and culture of North Florida.
Other Museum Highlights
The museum also has several nature trails. One trail includes a boardwalk that goes over a cypress habitat. This area is usually flooded with water. There are also special buildings for indoor exhibits and workspaces.
Sources
- Tallahassee Museum - official site
