The Museum of Florida History is the U.S. state of Florida's history museum, housing exhibits and artifacts covering its history and prehistory. It is located in the state capital, Tallahassee, Florida, at the R. A. Gray Building, 500 South Bronough Street, named for Robert Andrew Gray.
At the Museum of Florida History, wide ranging and interactive exhibits cover Florida's first people, the colonial era, transportation, early tourism, and more. Click on the image below to explore the Museum's exhibits in this short highlights video tour.
The equally interesting Museum of Florida History is also worth a visit while you’re in the area. Although it’s just a two-block walk, it’s best to drive to the museum as it’s a sustained uphill walk. Accessible parking is located next to the museum near the corner of Bronough and St. Augustine. From the parking lot, there’s ramp access down to the plaza and level access to the museum. There’s a wheelchair available for loan at the front desk, and elevator access down to the basement, which also houses exhibits.
The museum focuses on artifacts and eras that are unique to Florida’s development, and the roles that Floridians have played in global and national events. And although there are several rotating exhibits, three excellent permanent installations are the backbone of this facility. At the top of the list is the comprehensive Forever Changed; La Florida 1513-1821.
This chronological exhibit paints a timeline of Florida history from Ponce De Leon’s arrival in 1531 to when Florida became a US territory in 1821. It chronicles Spain’s efforts to establish a colony in La Florida from 1565 to 1763, British Control in the 1700s, and the second turbulent Spanish controlled period into the early 1800s.
The timeline continues with the second permanent exhibit — Florida in the Civil War. This exhibit sheds some light on what it was like in this predominantly rural agricultural State that had a large population of African American slaves. And unlike some of the more populous southern states, the majority of the white population in Florida was relatively poor.
The third and final permanent installation — Florida Remembers WWII — documents the state’s response to the battle fought by the Greatest Generation. Exhibits focus on military training in Florida, which had a large number of airfields and a naval air station. Lots of old photos and artifacts such as ration books, sweetheart pins and sugar stamps are also included. The exhibit includes the men and women in all branches of the service, and chronicles the support on the Florida home front. And it’s the perfect way to end your historic journey in downtown Tallahassee.
Museum Hours:
