(CAPITOL CITY NOW) – The Jacksonville Area Museum has a new manager.  Elise Griffin started in the role in mid-January and replaces McKenna Servis who left for another employment opportunity.

Griffin graduated from Illinois College in Jacksonville in May 2024 with a major in public history. She worked in the Khalaf Al Habtoor Archives on the college’s campus and as a seasonal interpreter at Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site in Collinsville.

“I am thrilled to be a part of this exciting and growing museum and look forward to welcoming even more visitors during the city’s bicentennial year,” Griffin said. “Jacksonville is such a welcoming town and has a unique history. I am honored to be involved in presenting that history to the city, state, and the world.”

The Jacksonville Area Museum, which also includes items from the MacMurray College Foundation and Alumni Association, is undergoing an expansion project that will triple its exhibit space. The new exhibit area, funded through donations to the Jacksonville Area Museum Foundation, will open to the public in time for the city’s official Bicentennial Celebration on October 4, 2025.

“We conducted extensive interviews with several very qualified candidates and Elise impressed us with enthusiasm, knowledge and a passion for presenting Jacksonville’s history,” said Jacksonville Area Museum Board Chairman Allan Worrell. “We are pleased that Elise is joining us during this time of rapid growth for the museum.”

The museum is located in the old Post Office building at 301 E. State St. There is no admission fee but a donation of $5 is suggested.