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FAQs

Frequent Questions and Answers

  1. Who was John Gilmore Riley?

    He was a strict educator, principal, real estate owner and businessman in Tallahassee, Florida.

    He was born in 1857, when slavery was a way of life and educational pursuits for Blacks were illegal. With the help of his Aunt Henrietta, Riley defied the law of the land and learned to read and write.

    From such a meager beginning, he began his teaching career in 1877, in Wakulla County.

    In 1881, he was a teacher at Lincoln Academy, one of three freedmen schools built during Reconstruction in Florida. He also distinguished himself as a leader in business as a land owner in downtown Tallahassee, and was Grand High Priest of the Royal Arch Masons of Florida.

    John G. Riley died in 1954.

  2. When was the Riley House built?

    The house was built for the Riley family in 1890. It currently stands at its original location, 401 E. Jefferson Street, Tallahassee, Florida as a testament to the resiliency, perseverance, and vision of John G. Riley, and breadth of the rich cultural and architectural heritage of African Americans.

  3. What is the period of focus for the Archive?

    Our general focus is the Civil War up to the Civil Rights Movement. The specific period of collecting is 1865-1968 for objects, papers, articles, and pictures related to the life of John Gilmore Riley, as well as objects of like materials to the originals.

  4. Where is the John G. Riley-Tallahassee Community College (TCC) Archive located?

    The Archive is located in the Main library on the second floor at Tallahassee Community College. It is a ten-minute drive from downtown Tallahassee.

  5. What special collections are in the archives?

    There are currently 22 collections that range from locally themed and placed-based materials about Tallahassee to regional Florida History from Emancipation through the Civil Rights Era. For example the archive houses Freedmen Bureau data, Black Abolitionist papers, Midwifery and “one” room School records in Leon County among other significant historical documents.

    The Riley-TCC archive specializes in local histories of African Americans but is also dedicated to preserving untold stories of Black Floridians’ linkage to the legacy of the African Diaspora by providing a home to private photographs, oral histories, books, periodicals, papers, art and related material culture.

  6. How can I utilize the Archive?

    The archive is accessible to students, professors, professionals, film, literature and private citizens passionate about understanding collections specializing in African American history in Florida. Arrange a time to meet with staff for assistance with your topic.

  7. What is your photocopy policy?

    Photocopies are provided based on a fee structure to support research purposes only. Photocopy requests are usually completed within the same day. However, larger orders may require more time and are dependent on staff availability. Staff will make all copies due to the fragility of most items. Currently, the photocopy fee per page is $.10 for TCC faculty, staff and students with valid identification and $1.00 for the general public.

    For photocopy requests, please contact the Archive at (850) 201-6540.

  8. Do you have an admission fee?

    Admission is free, however; we will gratefully accept and invite membership support. To become a member, go to http://www.rileymuseum.org

  9. Do you give general tours?

    Yes, the Riley Heritage Center provides tours of the John G. Riley and historic community sites. Reservations are required. Tours of the Archive at TCC are free, but by appointment only.

  10. May I check out materials?

    No. The Riley-TCC Archive is a non-circulating Library. All materials must be used in the archive.

  11. How do I donate my personal papers, collections, art etc?

    The John G. Riley Heritage Research Center is a non-profit organization and we welcome donations relating to our mission and collecting policies. So when you are ready, feel free to make an appointment with staff by contacting the Archive, at (850) 201-6540 -OR-(850) 201-8396.

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