TALLAHASSEE, Fl. (WTXL) -- The Taylor House Museum welcomed students today for a lesson in how emancipated slaves lived in Tallahassee's Frenchtown during the 1800's. The students were able to see live demonstrations at the museum, all in honor of the 150th anniversary of the reading of the Emancipation Proclamation.
"We want to educate them about the way of life, how they lived back in the late 1800s and early 1900s", said Curtis Taylor, one of the guides for the students, who claims no relation to the Taylor family. Taylor took elementary students around the over-century year old house, showing curious kids how the Taylor family lived way back then.
One of the more prominent figures of the house was a granddaughter of the Taylor family, Aquilina Powell, who helped end the segregation of the Leon school district, and also went on to become the districts first female assistant school superintendent.
"Ms. Howell saved this house because she had this vision that one day this would be a museum", said Taylor, "This house was scheduled to be demolished by the city."
Howell, who prevented the city from demolishing the house, paved the way for people to learn more about how Frenchtown residents lived over a hundred years ago.
Some of the students were in awe of what they saw, including 5th graders David Ceballos and April Perez.
"I learned how they used the restrooms outside or if they didn't want to go outside, they could use it in the room with a pot," said Ceballos. Perez added, "I recommend this field trip to anybody who would like to come here."
All in all, a fun experience filled with lots of learning, and lots of laughs. The Taylor HJouse's 2nd annual "Blended Lives" program also coincided with the passage of the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which abolished slavery in the country.
To learn more about the Taylor House and its hours, you can call 850-222-6111.
