Emancipation Proclamation

The first reading of President Lincoln's historic proclamation took place in 1865 on the steps of what is now called the Knott House.

Several dozen people were touring some of Tallahassee's ancient grave sites this week.

Immersive exhibits and historical re-enactors brought the past to life.

Hobbs brought home the statewide title two months ago during the Florida competition in Orlando.

Juneteenth is now a federal and state holiday, although Tallahassee has its own holiday on May 20th to honor the day the Emancipation Proclamation reached the capital city.

The commemoration is enhanced by the fact the central re-enactment happens at the very spot the original event took place.

Citizens of all ages gathered at the Knott House Museum to commemorate May 20, 1865, when the Emancipation Proclamation was first read in Florida and all enslaved people in the state gained their freedom.

The event included a re-enactment of the first public reading of Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation on the very spot it took place 158 years ago.

May 20, 1865 is the day Emancipation is remembered in Florida — although it was two years after Lincoln proclaimed an end to slavery

The festivities included lots of speeches, music, and the ritual reading of the Emancipation Proclamation in its entirety.