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 AN EXPANSION FROM MAY 2024 THRU DECEMBER 2025.
THE MUSEUM SHOULD 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 EXHIBITS
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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Cemetery Tour April 27
Join historian Greg Olson on an informative tour of the Jacksonville East Cemetery on April 27 at 2 pm. Historical figures such as Col. John J. Hardin, the Rev. Andrew Jackson, Gen. Benjamin Grierson and former heavyweight boxing champion Ken Norton are some of Jacksonville’s earliest and prominent residents that will be the focus of…
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Elise Griffin named new Museum Manager
Elise Griffin of Jacksonville has been named the new Museum Manager of the Jacksonville Area Museum and the MacMurray College Foundation and Alumni Association. Griffin started work in mid-January and replaces previous manager McKenna Servis, who accepted another employment opportunity. “I am thrilled to be a part of this exciting and growing museum and look…
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Emeritus Board Member Patsy Erickson
The Jacksonville Area Museum was saddened to hear of the passing of emeritus museum board member Patsy Erickson. Patsy served for many decades on the museum board, bringing her love of history to our community. Her particular interest was phone and communication equipment, which was assembled from her 40+ year career at GTE in Jacksonville.…