Tallahassee Museum

From its first temporary location to the nationally recognized, accredited, 52-acre institution it is today, the Museum's educational commitment to the region and active learning has strengthened and broadened. Now providing programs for children, schools, families and adults, it serves a population of over 435,000 people in a 13-county region, promoting knowledge and understanding of the region's cultural history and natural environment, and inspiring people to enrich their lives and build a better community.

In the late 1950s a group of visionary educators and interested citizens saw a need for children to enjoy hands-on experiences while learning about wildlife, nature, history, culture and other countries and customs. To meet this need, they established the Tallahassee Junior Museum, which received its charter on July 24, 1957, and held its first annual meeting on October 29, 1957. Early supporting organizations included the Service League (Junior League of Tallahassee), the Leon County School Board, the Association for Childhood Education, and the National Foundation for Junior Museums (Natural Science for Youth Foundation)

The Museum opened downtown in the old McMillan house in 1958, hosting a busy schedule of exhibits, programs, classes and field trips. School classes benefited from loans through its Treasure Chest program and a Pet Lending Library.

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