Mission San Luis Living History Museum

Mission San Luis Living History Museum in Tallahassee, Florida allows you to travel back to the 17th century! Your destination is a (reconstructed) village where Apalachee Native people and Spanish settlers lived in a blended community here in West Florida! From 1656 to 1704, Mission San Luis served as a principal village of the Apalachee people and was the Spaniards' westernmost military, religious, and administrative capital.

Through archaeology, historical research, and living history interpretation, you have the opportunity to experience what life may have been like in Florida over 300 years ago!

Exhibits

Step through the "time portal" to our historic site, and be transported back to an important time in Florida's (and America's) history. Villagers (living historians in period attire) invite you into their world to share the stories of the people who once lived in this area over 300 years ago: Apalachee men, women, and a principle chief; Spanish Franciscan friars, soldiers, and migrating families; craftspeople, administrators, and more. While walking through our six impressive reconstructed buildings, become immersed in the past: look up at the amazing Apalachee Council House structure, hear the blacksmith's anvil ringing, and smell healing herbs used by the friar.

Make sure to explore our indoor exhibit gallery before time traveling to the historic site. This gallery displays the many different types of artifacts that were found during archaeological excavations at Mission San Luis. Take a look at the actual items that influenced our living history interpretation outside!

And don't forget to check out our many virtual resources online to digitally experience the many sights and sounds of an active 17th century community!

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