It was May, 20, 1865 when the Emancipation Proclamation, made by President Abraham Lincoln was announced in downtown Tallahassee. Come celebrate this historic day in our nation's history on the actual site of the local announcement! The Proclamation will be read by Brigadier General Edward Moody McCook (portrayed by Brian Bibeau) followed by a free lunch on the lawn proceeding the program. In addition, you'll also experience period music, speeches and even costumed interpreters. The festivities take place from 2:00 until 4:00 pm at the Knott House Museum located at 301 E. Park Avenue and at Lewis Park across the street.
Thought to have been built in 1843 by free black builder George Proctor, the Knott House has a rich and interesting history, and even served as temporary Union headquarters during the Civil War. In 1985 the Historic Tallahassee Preservation Board became the beneficiary of the house, and in 1997, it became a part of the Florida Department of State's Museum of Florida History. If you'd like to learn even more about this significant historical site, free tours are offered Wednesday through Saturday throughout the year. For more information, visit http://museumoffloridahistory.com/about/sites/. 
Tags: Emancipation Proclamation, Florida, History, Knott House, Museum, Tallahassee
Rebecca HarrellRebecca Harrell chose to make Tallahassee her home over twenty years ago after earning a degree in Advertising/Graphic Design from The University of Alabama. She started her career in graphics, but soon discovered painting was her true passion, and opened a retail shop in Betton Place to sell her art. As a professional artist, she has licensed her designs to companies for all types of products for more than 15 years. In order to work from home, while her kids were small, she started and still maintains a website dedicated to selling her work. She is an active community volunteer, and along with her husband, Tallahassee native Kye Harrell, is a busy parent of two teenage boys. Rebecca also produces and maintains an entertaining blog for local tabletop & fine gift store My Favorite Things. When she isn't painting, cooking, eating or writing about them all, you'll find her driving all across the Southeast to watch her kids compete in crew regattas for Tallahassee's team, Capital City Rowing.
