"Blended Lives" Provides Hands-on Approach to Teaching Tallahassee and Florida History

Visits to the Riley Museum and New First Florida Capitol Replica Add to Curriculum

February 18, 2025

Earlier this month, nearly 2,000 local fourth graders embarked on an educational journey through Tallahassee's rich history with a visit to the First Florida Capitol replica at Cascades Park. As part of the "Blended Lives" program, the students had the unique opportunity to step into Florida's legislative past and explore what life was like in the early days of the Capital City.

Located near the original site of Florida's 1824 Capitol, the First Florida Capitol life-size replica was built by members of the community in honor of the City of Tallahassee's bicentennial. Tallahassee Mayor John Dailey led students from 21 schools on tours through the replica for an immersive educational experience.

"Building the First Florida Capitol replica was a labor of love," Mayor Dailey said. "It brings history to life, and seeing students get excited about learning about our city's early beginnings was tremendous. It truly is a must-see educational landmark for anyone interested in understanding the foundation of Florida's government."

Florida history is a requirement for the state's fourth graders, and for more than 20 years, all fourth graders in Leon County and their teachers have taken a week in February away from the classroom to participate in an interactive lesson in local history and culture called "Blended Lives." The program was developed by Althemese Barnes, historian and executive director emeritus of the City of Tallahassee's John G. Riley Center/Museum, in partnership with the Goodwood Museum and the Leon County Schools. Since that time, the Florida Historic Capitol Museum has joined the program, and the First Florida Capitol replica at Cascades Park was recently added to the curriculum.

In addition to touring the First Florida Capitol replica this year, the field trip included historic reenactors, musicians, storytellers and photographs and art from the Riley Museum's new exhibit, "African Americans in Tallahassee: The Civil War and Reconstruction Era."

Riley Museum Executive Director Aron Myers, Ph.D., said the students were immersed in the stories and reenactment presented by Sergeant Major (U.S. Army-Ret,) Jarvis Rosier, who represented the 2nd Infantry Regiment United States Colored Troops Living History Association. "Through engaging talks, he shared the experiences of Black soldiers who fought in the Civil War," Myers explained. "They were particularly intrigued by learning about the weapons they used and their critical role in the Battle of Natural Bridge. This interactive session not only enriched their understanding of African American military contributions but also kept them actively engaged in the historical narrative."

Riley Museum Curator Ileana Olmos said that upon entering Riley's office with the students, she would explain that this room was where he handled sensitive matters concerning Tallahassee – a crucial hub for his work, from civil rights issues to safety and community welfare. "The students were surprised and fascinated to find a life-size animatronic figure of Mr. Riley, who recounted stories about the house and Tallahassee during his time," she said. "This interactive experience captivated their attention, prompting questions about Mr. Riley's life, the house's history and significance. Their engagement deepened when they learned that the house was 135 years old, sparking curiosity and meaningful discussions."

According to Barnes, "The purpose of 'Blended Lives' is to explore the powerful roots of our local collective history, instill a new appreciation for aspects of our heritage that might otherwise go untold and to demonstrate how museums and other institutions can work together in a productive and beneficial way for all."

This year's "Blended Lives" included visits to the First Florida Capitol replica, Riley Museum and Goodwood Museum and Gardens. One of the fourth-grade teachers said "Blended Lives" provides an opportunity to experience history where it took place. "It makes what's in the textbooks come alive."

Experience local history for yourself by visiting some of the many historical sites, museums and memorials in Tallahassee, like the John G. Riley Center/Museum, the Footsteps to Freedom memorial, the Frenchtown historical markers and more. Get details at Talgov.com. The John G. Riley Center/Museum, located at 419 E. Jefferson Street, is open Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for guided and self-guided tours. It is open Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays by appointment. For more information, visit rileymuseum.org or call 850-891-3560.The current replica of Florida's first capitol is open to the public for tours on the weekends. Visit FirstFloridaCapitol.org to find out more information about docent-led tour hours.