John G. Riley House, Historic African American museum in Tallahassee, United States.

The John G. Riley House is a two-story vernacular wood-framed building at 419 East Jefferson Street, constructed circa 1890. A 20th-century restoration added a two-story rear extension, stabilized the structure, replaced deteriorated materials, and installed electrical systems so it could serve as a museum. It now operates as the John G. Riley Center/Museum of African American History and Culture.

John G. Riley bought the land at 419 East Jefferson Street in 1885 for about $125 and built the house around 1890. It stayed in his family until the 1970s, when the city bought it after a plan to replace it with an electrical substation was defeated by local residents and activists. It was listed on the National Register on August 1, 1978, restored in 1981, and reopened as a museum in 1996.

The museum's name honors John G. Riley, principal of Lincoln Academy from 1892 to 1926, the first secondary school in Tallahassee open to Black students. Its archives hold manuscripts, maps, rare documents, photographs and Riley family artifacts. Founding director Althemese Barnes recorded hundreds of interviews with former Smokey Hollow residents.

The museum occupies the house at 419 East Jefferson Street in downtown Tallahassee, and its archives are held separately at Tallahassee State College. The Smokey Hollow Commemorative Park, which the museum oversees, lies across the street in Cascades Park. Check opening days before travelling, since access to the house is limited.

An animated figure of John G. Riley, donated by Disney, shares stories with visitors about Black history in Florida. This interactive character brings entertainment and education together, making guests part of the narrative.