The most Unique historic community in Central Illinois.
Jacksonville was a beacon of education and service in the early history of the United States, and that shining history still exists in our community today. The museum was established in the 1980s, and moved to its new home in the old Jacksonville Post Office in 2021. The beautiful federal-style structure is the perfect location to showcase our ever-growing collection to tell our community’s compelling stories.
The Museum is also the home of the MacMurray College archive collection, which is on long-term loan from the MacMurray Foundation for preservation, display and interpretation.
We invite you to visit the Jacksonville Area Museum, and start your journey of discovery of West Central Illinois.
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THE MUSEUM IS UNDERTAKING A MAJOR EXPANSION THRU SPRING 2026.
THE MUSEUM WILL REMAIN OPEN DURING THIS TIME,
BUT SOME EXHIBITS AND GALLERIES MAY CLOSE OR CHANGE WITH SHORT NOTICE.
ACCESSIBILITY MAY BE LIMITED DURING THIS TIME.
PLEASE CALL (217) 408-1197 WITH ANY QUESTIONS.
RECENT & ONGOING HIGHLIGHTS
1975 Time Capsule Display
In 1975, Jacksonville created a time capsule for the inhabitants of Jacksonville in 2025 for the city’s 200th Anniversary. The museum is proud to host a rotating display of these items in our main lobby during this 200th Anniversary season.
Illinois State Hospital
The history of Jacksonville and West-Central Illinois is intertwined with the many institutions that contributed to the character and development of our communities. The Illinois State Hospital was one the leading institutions, and existed as a ‘city within a city’ on the southern border of Jacksonville. This new exhibit explores the places, people, and new approach to caring for people in our state. This exhibit is currently on display on an open-ended run at the museum.
Nice Threads! The History of J. Capps & Sons, Ltd.
Learn more about this new exhibit on Jacksonville’s notable clothing manufacturer. This exhibit is currently on display on an open-ended run at the museum.
News
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Museum Open House Oct 4-5, 2025
The public is invited to a Museum Open House during the Jacksonville Bicentennial Celebration during the weekend of October 4 and 5 at the Jacksonville Area Museum. In celebration of Jacksonville 200th Anniversary, the museum has been adding exhibits and gallery space for our next 200 years, and we are excited to show off the…
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1975 time capsule exhibit opens Saturday, July 5 at Jacksonville Area Museum
How much was a steak dinner at the Beef & The Bird restaurant in Jacksonville in 1975? What about breakfast at Tops Big Boy? What were the most stylish shoes of the 70s? Discover the answers to these and other questions when select items from the 1975 Jacksonville Time Capsule go on display starting July…
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‘The Woman They Could Not Silence’ Elizabeth Packard performed June 12
Mark your calendars for an outstanding history event! The Jacksonville Area Museum will be presenting a first-person interpretation of Elizabeth Packard on Thursday, June 12, 2025, 6 pm, hosted at Sibert Theatre at Illinois College in Jacksonville, Illinois. Elizabeth Packard’s story was made famous by the book ‘The Woman They Could Not Silence’ by Kate…