Tucked deep in the southwest corner of Tallahassee, embraced by the steeped tannic waters of the cypress swamp and the sparkling brilliance of Lake Bradford, Lake Hiawatha, and Grassy Lake, a remarkable wonder nestles like hidden pirate treasure in the Florida Red Hills terrain. Here there be fascinating native flora and fauna, nature trails, a butterfly garden, a real 1880s farm, art, and more! While its name has changed in recent years to the more formal “Tallahassee Museum of History and Natural Science,” those who once knew it only as “The Junior Museum” still fondly cling to the museum’s original title, loving its simplicity and the happy memories of family togetherness the name invokes.
A weathered boardwalk winds gracefully through the live oaks and cypress of the animal exhibits, the only “zoo” in the state of Florida devoted almost exclusively to native species of wildlife. The only exception is the guest animal habitat, which periodically houses animals of more exotic species from around the world on loan from other institutions. All of the exhibits along the boardwalk are designed as natural habitats, showcasing not only their inhabitants but also native Florida plants and natural terrain. Frisky otters show off in their pond, splashing playfully as they arc swiftly through the clear water. Florida panthers relax in the sunshine, red wolves pace, and bobcats roll in the leaves along the way. Around the bend, the American alligator lurks darkly in the waters of the lake, only his eyes peeking above the surface while further down the trail a Florida black bear uses a big tree to get that hard-to-reach itchy spot in the middle of his back. Up in a live oak is an unexpected sight – the bright eyes of a gray fox curled up in the fork between two branches as he watches a skunk waddle out of sight under the palmettos. As the boardwalk itself is left behind, a sandy path leads through sparkleberry, oak, and palmetto to the bird room with its spectacular picture window. Just on the other side of the glass numerous bird feeders swing with the energetic enthusiasm of avian diners and the occasional hungry squirrel, which may boast a startlingly white fur coat instead of the more familiar grayish-brown. At trail’s end is a covered reptile pavilion with its inhabitants of several gopher tortoises, a fierce-looking rattlesnake, the venomous cottonmouth, and harmless round-eyed rat snakes. On occasion a museum docent brings out one of the large Florida Pine Snakes, which can emit a shockingly loud hiss, all bluff and no venom.
After taking a walk on the wild side, visitors can enter the cool calm of the Discovery Center, located in the central part of the museum. Hands-on activities with natural objects to touch and feel stimulate the mind, while microscopes offer wondrous views into the tiniest aspects of the natural world. In the center of the room stands a replica of a 12 foot oak tree, complete with crawl space and hidden surprises. Videos, computer games, natural aquariums, terrariums and vivariums offer even more glimpses of fascinating plants and creatures, and dedicated volunteers are ready to answer questions.
Near the Discovery Center is yet another treasure trove, this time the Phipps Gallery, where visitors can browse through echoes of the past contained within one of the ever-changing collections displayed here. Perhaps the astonishing talent of the Florida Highwaymen waits to dazzle the eyes with beautiful original paintings, maybe a memory-provoking display of World War II era artifacts is presented, or following the fossilized footsteps of a mastodon, a remarkable time-voyage into the prehistoric past is possible. Even some of the belongings of Elvis have been known to reside briefly within this special gallery!
The Junior Museum is not exclusively devoted to the wild side of nature, but brings history to life with its recreation of a genuine 1880s Big Bend farm and other historical buildings. Costumed interpreters offer glimpses into Florida’s past and encourage visitors to participate as they go about the daily life of typical 19th century farm families, tending the garden and farm animals, churning butter, and other everyday chores. Actual farm buildings including a cabin, smokehouse, blacksmith shop, buggy house, cane mill, and even a privy, all dating from 1870 to 1910, lend authenticity to this exciting display of living history. Other historic buildings contribute as well, including the Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church (circa 1937) and the Concord Schoolhouse (circa 1870). The Bellevue Plantation House (circa 1850) also adds flair to the museum grounds and was the former home of Catherine Murat, the great grand-niece of George Washington and widow of Achille Murat, who was the Prince of Naples and nephew of Napoleon Bonaparte. A Seaboard Air Line Railway caboose, which was in service from 1924 to 1960, fascinates adults and children alike as they wander inside, treated to recordings of old railroad songs.
Trekking through all of this nature and history is bound to work up a strong appetite and thirst. The Trail Break Café is a haven of contentment with choices ranging from fresh sandwiches and chili dogs to ice cream and ice cold drinks. The brand new playground outside offers a wooden fort complete with slides and climbing wall while the creaky wooden swing offers parents a place to relax as they watch their children play. Finally, near the museum’s exit, the gift shop beckons with a multitude of treasures, from scientific posters of various animals to beautiful T-shirts featuring native animal and plant species. Historical games and toys, hand puppets of native animals, soaps, candles, jewelry, honey, and host of books ensure that visitors are bound to find something that they just can’t live without!
The Tallahassee Museum of History and Natural Science, more fondly called The Junior Museum, is an oasis of nature, culture, and history in the hurried chaos of the modern world. It’s a wonder that it isn’t filled to capacity on a daily basis so that it’s difficult to wander through the throngs of visitors that surely converge there. However, it only seems crowded during special annual events such as The Jazz and Blues Festival and The Halloween Howl when articles in the local newspaper have reminded the world that the museum exists. During more ordinary times, this very special museum truly seems to be Tallahassee’s Best Kept Secret!
