Union Bank Museum
219 Apalachee ParkwayTallahassee FL 32301
(850) 561-2603
Admission to Union Bank Museum is free.
The Museum is open Thursday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Group tours are available by appointment. For more information or to schedule, call (850) 245-6400 or email UnionBankMuseum@dos.myflorida.com.
Limited public parking is available immediately adjacent to Union Bank. Street parking and downtown public garages are also available nearby.
The Union Bank Museum is located at 219 Apalachee Parkway, Tallahassee, Florida 32301
About Union Bank
Built in 1841, the Union Bank is considered Florida’s oldest surviving bank building. Originally opened as a “planter’s bank” during the antebellum period, the building became home to the National Freedman’s Savings and Trust Company following Emancipation. Over the next century, the building housed numerous businesses and organizations, including a dance studio, shoe factory, church, youth center, beauty parlor, and state and county offices.
When the building became endangered due to development pressures, Tallahassee citizens organized a campaign to save it and, in April 1971, the building was added to the National Register of Historic Places. In June 1971, the building’s owners, the Colonial Dames XVII Century, donated it to the State of Florida. Shortly afterwards, the bank was moved from its original location on South Adams Street to its current location near the Historic Capitol Museum. A committee was formed to raise money to match state funds for the building’s restoration. The building opened in 1984 as a museum and housed exhibits created by the Museum of Florida History and the Meek-Eaton Black Archives, Research Center, and Museum at Florida A&M University (MEBA).
The building was renovated and repaired by the Florida Department of State in 2023. With this most recent restoration completed, the Museum of Florida History, in partnership with MEBA, opened new museum exhibits in February 2024.
Admission to Union Bank Museum is free.
The Museum is open Thursday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Group tours are available by appointment. For more information or to schedule, call (850) 245-6400 or email UnionBankMuseum@dos.myflorida.com.
Limited public parking is available immediately adjacent to Union Bank. Street parking and downtown public garages are also available nearby.
The Union Bank Museum is located at 219 Apalachee Parkway, Tallahassee, Florida 32301
About Union Bank
Built in 1841, the Union Bank is considered Florida’s oldest surviving bank building. Originally opened as a “planter’s bank” during the antebellum period, the building became home to the National Freedman’s Savings and Trust Company following Emancipation. Over the next century, the building housed numerous businesses and organizations, including a dance studio, shoe factory, church, youth center, beauty parlor, and state and county offices.
When the building became endangered due to development pressures, Tallahassee citizens organized a campaign to save it and, in April 1971, the building was added to the National Register of Historic Places. In June 1971, the building’s owners, the Colonial Dames XVII Century, donated it to the State of Florida. Shortly afterwards, the bank was moved from its original location on South Adams Street to its current location near the Historic Capitol Museum. A committee was formed to raise money to match state funds for the building’s restoration. The building opened in 1984 as a museum and housed exhibits created by the Museum of Florida History and the Meek-Eaton Black Archives, Research Center, and Museum at Florida A&M University (MEBA).
The building was renovated and repaired by the Florida Department of State in 2023. With this most recent restoration completed, the Museum of Florida History, in partnership with MEBA, opened new museum exhibits in February 2024.
Share your most epic Tallahassee moments with #iHeartTally.
🇺🇸 As we spend time with loved ones this Memorial Day, we remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Explore Tallahassee’s memorials and parks that honor the lives and legacies of our nation’s heroes.
🔗 Learn more: visittallahassee.com/blog/memorials/ (link in bio)
🖼️ Driving down one of Tallahassee’s nine official canopy roads feels like stepping into a living postcard. 🌳 These oak-shaded corridors have been welcoming travelers for generations, offering a glimpse of Old Florida`s timeless beauty.
Take a scenic drive and discover why they`re one of our most treasured features.
🚗 Plan your drive: visittallahassee.com/blog/canopy-roads/
IG 📷: alexarmitage_
Today, Tallahassee commemorates Emancipation Day. On May 20, 1865, General Edward M. McCook declared the Emancipation Proclamation in effect from the steps of the Knott House in downtown Tallahassee, and newly freed citizens gathered at Bull`s Pond (now Lake Ella) in joyful celebration.
This important tradition continues to this day at the Knott House at 11:30 a.m. for a special program and reading of the Emancipation Proclamation, followed by a free lunch and activities in Lewis Park. All are welcome.
For more info, visit 20thOfMay.com.
🐾 Big news for wildlife conservation in Tallahassee! The Tallahassee Museum has officially welcomed four newborn endangered red wolf puppies, born to mother Rue and father Ace.
Red wolves are considered the most endangered canid in the world, with fewer than 300 individuals in existence today. This new litter marks a massive milestone in the Tallahassee Museum’s nearly four-decade commitment to the American Red Wolf SAFE Project, helping to bring this critical species back from the brink of extinction.
To ensure the pups grow up healthy and retain the natural wild instincts needed for potential future release, the museum`s animal care team is keeping a safe distance and monitoring the den entirely via cameras.
While the puppies will remain tucked away in their den, visitors can look forward to seeing them explore the outdoor habitat later this summer.
Head to the link in our bio to read the full story behind this incredible local milestone and learn more about the science of saving the red wolf.
Weekend plans? We’ve got 10 amazing trails for walking, biking, and soaking up the sunshine with your crew! 🐾👟 Grab your water bottle, pack a snack, and let Tallahassee’s great outdoors do the rest.
👟 Lafayette Heritage Trail
👟 Miccosukee Greenway Trail
👟 J.R. Alford Greenway Trail
👟 St. Marks Historic Trail
👟 Wakulla Springs Trail
👟 Apalachee Regional Park Trails
👟 Cascades Park Trail
👟 Leon Sinks Geological Area Hiking Trail
👟 Lake Overstreet Trail
👟 Orchard Pond Trail
🔗 Start your trek → visittallahassee.com/blog/10-amazing-tallahassee-trails/
#IHeartTally | #Tallahassee
Head to the steps of the Knott House Museum this May 20th to commemorate Emancipation Day. This annual community tradition features musical performances, keynote speakers, and a powerful reading of the Emancipation Proclamation starting at 11:30 AM in Lewis Park.
Plan your day at 20thOfMay.com.
Emancipation was proclaimed in Tallahassee on May 20, 1865, eleven days after the end of the American Civil War and two years after President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation freed those enslaved in Southern states. The Proclamation was read by Union General Edward M. McCook from the steps of the Knott House, effectively ending slavery in the state of Florida. For this reason, Emancipation Day is traditionally celebrated on May 20 in Florida.
Grab a pint and soak up the energy of the Gaines Street at Oyster City Brewing Company.🍺
The taproom serves as a hub where locals and visitors alike can enjoy craft beer in a relaxed, open-air environment. It is an essential stop on any Tallahassee itinerary for craft beer fans!
📸 @ocbc_tallahassee
Bradley’s Country Store is a living piece of history, remaining virtually unchanged since it opened in 1927. Located on a scenic canopy road just north of Tallahassee, the store is a multi-generation family business known for its traditional smoked sausage and coarse-ground grits.
The atmosphere is defined by the original wood-plank floors, shelves stocked with specialty gifts, and the sprawling oaks that shade the front porch. It is a grounded, essential stop for anyone exploring Tallahassee.
📍 Location: 10655 Centerville Road
🌭 Signature Item: Bradley’s Country Smoked Sausage (mild, medium, or hot)
🍦 The Experience: Grab lunch and a cold soda and enjoy the rockers on the front porch.
🏺 History: Listed on the National Register of Historic Places.