Welcome to the Sherman Jazz Museum, 201 E. Lamar, Sherman, TX 75070
Regular hours are Thursdays from 1 – 5 p.m. with annual closures in January and August. There will be other times when the staff must change days or times.
This Neo-Classical Revival style building which houses the Sherman Jazz Museum was originally the Travis Masonic Lodge, used by the Masonic Fraternity for 60 years. When construction was begun in 1924, this was one of the largest Masonic halls in the state of Texas. The Sherman Chapter was organized in 1842, making it one of the oldest organizations in Grayson County. The lodge was named for the distinguished Colonel William Barret Travis, commander at the Alamo.
The building was purchased in 1984 and was listed in the Sherman Preservation publication, Preserving Architectural Heritage, and subsequently sold to Bill Collins Jr. who used it as a location to store and display American Victorian walnut furniture.
After his parents’ passing, Bill Collins, III held a Grand Opening on May 10, 2010. The museum is dedicated to the education, preservation, and enjoyment of jazz. When the museum’s founder realized that America’s jazz LPs were being thrown into landfills, a decision was made to “just save the jazz vinyl.” Currently, trumpet players are primarily on display. The museum has continued in its efforts and now displays jazz memorabilia, as well. Included in the museum are the complete memorabilia, with few exceptions, of Maynard Ferguson and Roy Eldridge estates. Over the following years, playback machines were added.
The Sherman Jazz Museum is a tribute to the rich history of jazz music, focusing on both its global influence and its connection to the local community. While Sherman itself might not be widely known for its historical impact on jazz, the museum plays an important role in preserving and celebrating the legacy of jazz through exhibits, educational programs, and performances. It often features displays about jazz legends, historical recordings, instruments, and the evolution of jazz over time.
Jazz is America’s music and that is why the albums are being preserved. All albums in this museum were donated. Explore our collection of thousands of jazz albums. The liner notes in the album will tell you who composed the music, who did the arrangements, and who played on the tracks, along with the times and places where it was recorded. The breathtaking cover art adds to the experience of uncovering the history of jazz, not through a book, but from the back of a record album. Many friends have helped us build this museum and we thank you for your interest in it as well. Long live Jazz!