Sangamon Experience presents the history of the Sangamon Region through an on-campus exhibition space, online projects, and community collaborations.

A glimpse into the work of the Sangamon Experience at the University of Illinois Springfield.

Discovering our local history can be an enlightening and enriching experience. At Sangamon Experience, we believe that sharing diverse perspectives and stories is key to building a stronger community. We are dedicated to creating a space that not only showcases the past but also inspires future generations of public historians.

We are always looking for ways to collaborate with local historical and cultural organizations to bring new voices and fresh ideas to our programs and exhibits. Together, let us uncover the rich tapestry of our community's history.

Location

Performing Arts Center, One University Dr., Springfield Illinois, 1st Floor

Hours

9am- 5pm

Radio That Listens to You: 50 Years of NPR Illinois

NPR Illinois Radio That Listens to You 91.9 UIS exhibit logo

Explore the history of Springfield's public radio station and the people who brought it to life.

The exhibit traces the station’s journey from its first broadcast as WSSR at Sangamon State University in 1975 to today’s NPR Illinois. Visitors can explore rare recordings, behind-the-scenes artifacts, and interactive displays that highlight how a small campus station grew into a vital part of the region’s cultural and civic life.

Discover Radio that Listens to You

Find out more about our online exhibition space.

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.

News

Cozy library with two people working at a wooden table, surrounded by bookshelves.
Jul 21, 2026
Sangamon Experience preserves Scott County history through digitization
The Sangamon Experience at the University of Illinois Springfield is preserving Scott County’s history through a partnership with the Winchester Public…
Station wagon with passengers on Route 66, luggage on roof, green landscape.
Apr 06, 2026
Sangamon Experience launches rural initiative, inviting historical societies and teachers to apply
The Sangamon Experience at the University of Illinois Springfield announces the launch of its new rural initiative, a collaborative summer program designed to…
Combine harvester silhouetted against a vibrant sunset sky.
Nov 11, 2025
UIS-supported documentary wins Best Documentary Film at Route 66 Film Festival
“Soil and Soul: Farming in the Sangamon River Valley,” a documentary supported by the University of Illinois Springfield’s Sangamon Experience, has won Best…
Audience watching the premiere of Soil & Soul at UIS in November 2024, with a speaker at the podium.
Feb 12, 2025
“Soul & Soil: Farming in the Sangamon River Valley” selected for screening at Farm to Film Fest
The University of Illinois Springfield’s Sangamon Experience documentary, “Soil & Soul: Farming in the Sangamon River Valley,” has been selected for…
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…

Events

No upcoming events at this time. Check back soon!