"To forget the past is to rob future generations of their heritage and a foundation for hope.

A little known historical and cultural gem sits at the bottom of a hill in East downtown Tallahassee, at the corner of Meridian and Jefferson Streets. This gem, the second house in Florida owned by a black person to be placed on the National Register of Historic Places, the first being the Mary McLeon Bethune house In Volusia County, is experiencing renewed vitalization thanks to a local team of volunteer preservationists.

Nestled among beautiful shaded trees and serene quietness that seems to embellish the incommunicable past, the John G. Riley historic home represents the thriving black neighborhood that once existed in what is now the downtown area of Tallahassee. According to the Tallahassee City Directory, published in 1904, there were five houses on Riley's block on Jefferson Street, all owned by black men. In 1919, there were six homeowners and they too were black. Other parcels, owned or rented by blacks, were located in numerous location surrounding the Riley property, extending up College and Gadsden Streets. This situation changed in the 1950's.

In 1978, only two houses remained, that of John Riley and John Hicks, a black tailor who lived across the street from Riley. Hicks died in the early 1970's and his home was purchased by Colmar Corporation for speculative purposes. This was the fate of most of the neighborhood where the Riley house stands. The block is now composed of apartment buildings, office buildings and parking lots. The neighborhood went the way of many highly valued downtown areas. The significance of the Riley house is that it has survived the demolition crew for so long. This is a noble tribute to the life and character of its original owner, John Gilmore Riley, known as "Professor Riley."

Born in 1857, when slavery was a way of life and educational pursuits for negroes were illegal, Mr. Riley defied the law of the land and dared to become an educated man, largely self-taught. Later, he went on to become the principal of the first public high school for blacks in Tallahassee, Lincoln High School. He also distinguished himself as a leader in business and was Grand High Priest of the Royal Arch Masons of Florida. John G. Riley died in 1954. The house that he built for his family in 1890 stands today as a testament to a rich, cultural heritage of African-Americans. Professor Riley was also Grand high Priest of the Royal Arch Masons of Florida and distinguished himself as a leader in business, according to research by Dr. A.E. Teele, Sr.

Many persons are to be thanked for playing a significant part in saving the Riley House. Among the notables are: Nancy Dobson, Past Executive Director of the Tallahassee Historic Preservation Board, who documented the significance of the house and had it placed in the National Register of Historic Places; Attorney Robert Travis and Dean M.S. Thomas, who labored as Chairmen of the John G. Riley Foundation Board through restoration; other chairmen Leon Russell, Arthur Teele, Jr. and T.H. Poole; Attorney Jesse McCrary, who was serving as Secretary of State and was a strong advocate for restoration of the house; and Dr. A.E. Teele, Sr., who developed the history of the Riley House and Professor Riley.

In 1995, a group of Tallahassee citizens established a museum at the Riley House dedicated to African-American history and culture. This facility draws more visitors and tourist into the area while providing a historically diverse attraction.

According to research by Nancy Dobson, The Riley house is especially significant when compared to other such historical sites in that it is the last relic we have of the accomplishments of an entire group of people, the black middle class which emerged in the latter part of the nineteenth century. The Riley House becomes even more significant when one realizes how little the extent of knowledge on this minority within a minority is. Yet, they played a vital role in Tallahassee as well as other communities.

The John G. Riley Museum and Foundation and local preservationist solicit your support in the way of a tax-deductible contribution to support programs and help establish an endowment. Volunteers to serve on the steering committee in various capacities are also needed. Call the Executive Director, Althemese Barnes, at 681-7881 on Monday through Friday between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. for further information or to arrange an oral interview of your family history.

rileyhousemuseum@netzero.net

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