John G. Riley House & Museum
John G. Riley House & Museum
John G. Riley House & Museum
4.5
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
About
The John Gilmore Riley Center/Museum for African American History & Culture, Inc. is a historical and cultural gem that sits at the bottom of a hill in downtown Tallahassee, at the corner of Meridian and Jefferson Streets. The Riley historic home represents the thriving black neighborhood, known as Smokey Hollow, that once existed in what is just east of downtown Tallahassee. It is especially significant when compared to other such historical sites in that it is the last vestige we have of the accomplishments of an entire group of people, the black middle class, which emerged in the latter part of the nineteenth century.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
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Popular mentions
4.5
14 reviews
Excellent
8
Very good
5
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1
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Sue N
Pittsburgh, PA464 contributions
Feb 2020
Near Cascades Park, the John G. Riley House and Museum's temporary exhibit of women who impacted Smokey Hollow was very informative. We were there at the right time to learn not only about John G. Riley, we also learned about these women who were remarkable each in their own way. The young guide was quite knowledgeable, willing to answer questions, and encouraged us to visit other museums in the area.
Written February 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TallaResident
Tallahassee, FL139 contributions
Feb 2014 • Family
The Riley House was always interesting, but it continues to get better with time. They have built a new visitor's center behind the original house and often host educational events that range from interesting lectures, to films. The newly opened Cascades Park and Smokey Hollow Village is a short walk away. You can easily spend several hours on site. The entrance fee is minimal. The small gift shop offers a wide array of local African American history books. Don't miss the animatronic 'Professor Riley' who will offer up words of wisdom and fascinate visitors of all interests - even those who think history is boring!
Written April 15, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
thestogs
Columbus, GA126 contributions
Mar 2014 • Couples
This home of a prominent business man and educator tells ab important story about life in Tallahassee after reconstruction, following the Civil War. Mr. Riley had considerable influence in Tallahassee and thankfully, this wonderful house was preserved by local citizens. The guides are friendly, helpful and very knowledgable. Walk from the Riley House through the Smokey Hollow commoration at Tallahassee's new Cascades Park. It's a wonderful attraction and time well spent on your next visit to Florida's Capital.
Written March 16, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vitarachel
Newport News, VA176 contributions
Jul 2015 • Friends
This is a very small museum. You probably could not take more than 40 minutes to tour it if you tried. That being said, what it offers is unique and informative. I saw the Civil War Spies exhibit. It was very interesting and well done. It highlighted African American and female spies; information I knew nothing about. The young man who told us about the house was well informed and able to answer our questions. If you like history this is a good place to visit. I think the suggested donation to visit is $2.00, but we weren't asked for any money.
Written July 8, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Justin H
North Port, FL154 contributions
Jun 2013 • Friends
John G. Riley was one of the most influential black men of his time, and his legacy continues into this era. While in Tallahassee, take a moment and tour this wonderful place.
Such a lovely tour, and what a tour guide. The guy who did our tour is absolutely wonderful.
Such a lovely tour, and what a tour guide. The guy who did our tour is absolutely wonderful.
Written July 18, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Albert M
17 contributions
Apr 2017 • Couples
The Riley house provides a snapshot of African-American history in Tallahassee.
Most amazing part of tour is the Animatronic figure of John Riley donated by Disney. So real that it may scare you when it starts to speak.
Most amazing part of tour is the Animatronic figure of John Riley donated by Disney. So real that it may scare you when it starts to speak.
Written April 11, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mary L
6 contributions
Nov 2016 • Couples
This museum reveals the talented architectural career of the late John G. Riley whose legacy lives on as one of the stars of African American history in this profession, unusual for minorities of his era.
Written November 20, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jim W
Panama City, FL1,238 contributions
Jul 2016 • Couples
We were looking for classical houses to visit and were pleasantly surprised to learn about the history of Mr. Riley. His story from being born into slavery to owning property and helping other people grow and fight the ugliness of discrimination until he was 96 is inspirational. The animatronic version that talks to you is very interesting. Our guide was very knowledgeable and explained the current showing of a local artist. They change out the showings quarterly, so there will be something new the next time we wander to the area.
Written July 25, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
teturtia
Cagnes-sur-Mer, France256 contributions
Feb 2016 • Couples
Very interesting little museum, providing great insight into an aspect of history the USA seem to be rather keen to forget - that of black America. As recent events prove, there are still plenty of racial tensions in the US.
There are too few museums like this in the USA, I would say.
There are too few museums like this in the USA, I would say.
Written March 5, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Teri C
Bridgeport11 contributions
May 2015 • Family
We travel from CT. to TLH every May for the Emancipation week celebration. Our family has a big Emancipation Day celebration and we try to always include the Riley House & Museum on this annual pilgrimage .
Written August 3, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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