Constructed circa 1890, the Riley House is the last physical evidence of a thriving middle-class African-American community that existed in downtown Tallahassee at the turn of the 20th century known as Smokey Hollow.

There was no dramatic transfer by will; neither did it come with a trust account or other means to help sustain operations or address perpetual needs of maintenance and security.

The house was almost destroyed in the 1960s due to eminent domain but was saved through the actions and hard work of local residents and activists.

[6] Barnes is responsible for creating the group who developed the commemorative shotgun homes of Smokey Hollow in Cascades Park, across the street from the museum.

Riley served as Grand High Priest of the Royal Arch Masons of Florida, a fraternal organization.

[10] Some of his land ended up being the future sites of the Department of Natural Resources, Bryant Building, and the parking lot of the Florida State University Law School.