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 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.
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The Museum is undertaking a major expansion and remodeling through early 2027.
The musuem will remain open during construction, 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
Transforming Lives – MacMurray College
The Jacksonville Area Museum is proud to be a partner with the MacMurray Foundation and Alumni Association. The archives and collections from the College’s history is archived within our building displayed in “Mac Hall.” We encourage Mac alumni and the public to come learn about the history of this long-standing institution that graced our community for generations.
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.
THIS WON’T HURT A BIT – Jacksonville’s Dr. Greene Vardiman Black
Jacksonville’s Dr. Greene Vardiman Black was a curious inventor, scientist, and teacher who changed the way dentists care for patients. Through his discoveries, inventions, and dedication to education, Dr. Black helped transform dentistry into the modern profession we know today.
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.
Geography of Memory: Jacksonville In Art
September 19 thru Spring 2027
“The Geography of Memory: Jacksonville in Art,” highlights artwork of Jacksonville by Jacksonville area residents, and their individual views of our community and area. Also, area artists and creatives were asked to interpret a small image onto a canvas, which was combined with the 99 other canvases to reveal an image celebrating the Jacksonville area. Each artist worked only on one-one hundredth of the finished piece of art without knowing what the final, larger image depicts.
NEWS
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Museum opens Community Art Project on September 19
One hundred eight-by-eight-inch canvases created by area artists and assembled into one large work of art will debut to the public on Saturday, September 19 at the Jacksonville Area Museum. The completed work of art is part of a larger exhibit titled “The Geography of Memory: Jacksonville in Art,” also opening that day, which will
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Museum to celebrate fifth anniversary Saturday, September 26
The Jacksonville Area Museum will celebrate its fifth anniversary on Saturday, September 26 with free birthday cupcakes and a peek at the progress on the museum’s new gallery construction that will triple the institution’s exhibit space. “Help us to celebrate our first five years on September 26 and get a glimpse of what’s in store
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Jacksonville Area Museum opens Dr. G.V. Black dentistry display
The Jacksonville Area Museum has opened a new dentistry display focusing on Jacksonville resident Dr. Greene Vardiman Black, known as the Father of Modern Dentistry. “Jacksonville’s Dr. Greene Vardiman Black was a curious inventor, scientist, and teacher who changed the way dentists care for patients,” said Jacksonville Area Museum Manager Tori Ohl. “Through his discoveries,