Arthur “Art” Wilson
Co-Founder of the Jacksonville African American History Museum
Born: January 26, 1957 (Jacksonville, IL)
Died: July 1, 2025 (Springfield, IL)
Profession: Historian, Community Leader
Known For: Co-Founder of Jacksonville African American History Museum
Affiliation: NAACP
SUMMARY
Arthur “Art” Wilson was a Jacksonville, Illinois historian, community leader, and co-founder of the Jacksonville African American History Museum alongside Ruth Linear. Through his dedication to preserving local history, Wilson played a central role in documenting African American experiences in the region, including Underground Railroad activity and historic sites such as Woodlawn Farm.
2008
Posthumous recognition by medical society
1940
Hospital reached peak scale and regional impact
1933
Moved to Springfield; founded newspaper
1922
Hospital reached peak scale and regional impact
1909
Opened New Home Sanitarium
1897 - 1902
Served at Tuskegee Institute
1875
Born in Shorter, Alabama
1957
BORN IN JACKSONVILLE, ILLINOIS
1970s - 1980s
SERVED IN UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS
2000s - 2020s
served on underground railroad committee; assisted preservation of woodlawn farm
2021-2022
co-founded AND OPENED jacksonville african american history museum
2023
INDUCTED INTO JACKSONVILLE AREA HALL OF FAME
2025
PASSED AWAY IN springfield, ILLINOIS
Early Life and Service
Art Wilson was born and raised in Jacksonville, Illinois, where he developed a deep connection to the community and its history. He later served for 11 years in the United States Marine Corps, an experience that reflected his commitment to service and discipline.
Preservation of Local History
Art Wilson was the co-founder of the Jacksonville African American History Museum, located in the historic Asa Talcott House. Through this work, he created a permanent space dedicated to preserving and sharing the stories of African American individuals, communities, and institutions in Jacksonville.
The museum stands as a reflection of Wilson’s vision: to ensure that local history—especially stories that had been overlooked or underrepresented—would be accessible to future generations.
Art also served as one of the founding directors of Jacksonville's Underground Railroad Committee, and assisted the preservation efforts for Morgan County's Woodlawn Farm.
Recognition and Legacy
In 2023, Wilson was inducted into the Jacksonville Area Hall of Fame in recognition of his contributions to the community and his efforts in historical preservation.
Following his passing in 2025, Wilson is remembered as a driving force behind the preservation of Jacksonville’s African American history. His work continues through the museum he founded and the historical sites he helped protect.
DISCLAIMER
This entry is based on publicly available records and community sources documenting the life and contributions of Art Wilson.
