Central Illinois Has Stories to Tell.

Explore the People, places, and events that shaped our region.

Location

University of Illinois Springfield
First Floor, Public Affairs Center
One University Plaza
Springfield, IL 62703

Hours

9 a.m.- 5 p.m.

Parking Information 

Museum exhibit with people seated, discussing in a theater room.

Visit

Hours, directions, and exhibitions.

Plan Your Visit

Exhibits

Discover what is on display and our digital exhibits.

Exhibits
Exhibit space with lighting and labels.
Local History Check-In audience seated in a conference room listening to a presentation.

Learn

Find lesson plans, field trips, and resources.

Education

News

A famers hands on the steering wheel of a combine looking out a window.
Oct 23, 2024
New “Soil & Soul” exhibit and film explore the history of farming in Sangamon County
WHAT: The University of Illinois Springfield’s Sangamon Experience will open a new exhibit and premiere a documentary film titled “Soil & Soul: Farming in…
Women holding signs that say "ERA" march through the streets of Springfield in 1982 as part of an Equal Rights Amendment rally.
Jul 01, 2024
UIS’ Sangamon Experience explores central Illinois journalism and social justice in the 1980s
WHAT: The University of Illinois Springfield’s Sangamon Experience will host a panel discussion titled “Echoes of Change: Central Illinois Journalism and…
A black and white photo showing a large group of women attending a Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) event.
Jan 08, 2024
New UIS Sangamon Experience exhibit tells the history of underrepresented people in central Illinois
“The Struggle for Change,” a new exhibit by the University of Illinois Springfield’s Sangamon Experience, will tell the history of underrepresented people in…
Image with text that says "Black History Month"
Feb 02, 2023
UIS’ Sangamon Experience and Diversity Center to host two in-person Black History Month events
Sangamon Experience and the Diversity Center at the University of Illinois Springfield will host two Black History Month events that are free and open to the…
Photo of Susan Lawrence Dana
Jul 26, 2022
UIS public history graduate creates “Susan Lawrence Dana: A Woman of Progress” exhibit at the Sangamon Experience
Sangamon Experience at the University of Illinois Springfield presents a new exhibit, “Susan Lawrence Dana: A Woman of Progress,” opening Aug. 1, 2022, on the…
Historic Springfield Street
Apr 25, 2022
UIS’ Sangamon Experience to host “Sangamo Country: 200 Years of Sangamon County” film premiere
WHAT: Sangamon Experience at the University of Illinois Springfield will premiere the original documentary, “Sangamo Country: 200 Years of Sangamon County.”…
Sangamon Experience exhibit
Feb 28, 2022
UIS’ Sangamon Experience to host “Women’s History Month: Community Trailblazers” livestream series
Sangamon Experience at the University of Illinois Springfield will present five livestreamed historical discussions at 6 p.m. every Wednesday in March as part…

Events

No upcoming events at this time. Check back soon!
train cart in front of factory in downtown Springfield

Our Mission

Sangamon Experience provides a broad perspective of the history of the Sangamon region through the presentation of a wide variety of exhibitions and activities developed for and from multiple communities. Activities will include projects developed from oral histories, archives, images and other resources to encourage participants to effectively create their own sense of local history.

Sangamon Experience also provides a comprehensive online platform for the presentation of materials; engage local organizations as partners in the effort to seek out and present materials for exhibition and information; and coordinate a combined newsletter for activities of local interest.