For People Interested in the History of Tallahassee
Founded in 1933, the Tallahassee Historical Society, Inc. is a 501(c) (3) organization that welcomes individuals who enjoy learning about and sharing state and local history. Evening meetings on the second Thursday from October to April offer programs by experts on topics ranging from history and culture to architecture, archeology, and preservation. In May, members gather for a festive picnic. The society also schedules daytime lectures and partners with other organizations to present special events. Every activity features stimulating conversation and rewarding fellowship.
Welcome
It contains an assortment of information about our organization, our meeting schedule, local activities and events of a historic nature, announcements and research interests of members. It includes a short history of our society and the location of our archives. We are actively involved in partner relationships, referrals and maintain contact information to other organizations with similar goals in preservation and sharing of historical information.
If you have any questions, check our organization’s FAQ.
If you are interested in history, please join us.
David Lang, Jr.
President, 2014-2016
Tallahassee Historical Society
Join Our Next Meeting - February 14
Our next speaker,
Torrio Osborne
Vice Chairman of the John G. Riley Museum Foundation
Our Mission
To foster a deeper understanding of and appreciation for the history of Tallahassee, Leon County, and surrounding areas.
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Officers and Board Members
Bob Holladay, President
Marjorie Holladay, Vice President
Nina Gonzalbez, Secretary
Andy Wright, Treasurer
Doug Smith, Past President
Brendan Crellin, Webmaster
Dave Lang, At-Large
Claude Kenneson, At-Large
Next Meeting
Valentine’s Day Meets Black History Month… What Could be Better?
Grab your significant other, and spend Valentine’s Day, the old fashioned way: come to the Tallahassee Historical Society February meeting and hear a tale of legacy, perseverance and family. Just the thing to warm your hearts. Torrio Osborne, Vice Chairman of the John G. Riley Museum Foundation, who also serves as steward of the Riley Museum Archive, which is located at Tallahassee Community College will speak about discuss Joseph Nathaniel Crooms, and the J.N. Crooms family.
J.N. Crooms was born in 1880 to a slave on the Goodwood Plantation, which along with RThe Grove, is Tallahassee’s outstanding surviving example of antebellum plantation architecture and cultural heritage, both black and white. Hardy and Bryan Groom, from North Carolina, developed Goodwood to over four thousand acres with nearly 200 slaves before Hardy and his family were killed in ship wreck, resulting in a 20 year lawsuit complicated by questions of survivorship and residence. As in most plantation sagas, the story of the Goodwood slaves and their lives and fortunes before and after emancipation, has only recently been researched and revealed. Using the Riley Archives extensive Crooms collection of articles,, photographs and memorabilia, Torrio Osborne will discuss J.N. Crooms as an entrepreneur, educator and family man. Of particular interest are documents related to Crooms Academy in Daytona, Florida, and J.N. Crooms partnership with Mary Jane Mcleod-Bethune.
Why should you come?
Because the Crooms Family, both black and white, is an indelible part of Tallahassee’s rich history.
In addition to his role with the John G. Riley Museum Foundation Board, Torrio Osborne has served on the Urban Land Institute Technical Assistance Advisory Panel Study (ULI/TAP) of the Orange Avenue Corridor, focused on southern Tallahassee. He also serves on the Big Bend Homeless Coalition Board as Secretary, and is a member of the Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra. He is a graduate of Northwestern University.