Sherman Jazz Museum was founded by Bill Collins III in 2010.  The museum is dedicated to the education, preservation, and enjoyment of jazz.  The Sherman Jazz Museum is home to artifacts and collections from many of the past’s famous jazz musicians, bringing to life their lives and music. Mr. Collins’ desire is to preserve the impact and contribution that Jazz has made to American culture.

History of the building

The Neo-Classical Revival style building which houses the Sherman Jazz Museum was originally the Masonic Lodge Temple.  The building was used by the Masons 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. Throughout the restoration process for the Jazz museum, diligent effort was made to retain the original architectural style.  For example,  many of the original doors, floors, ceiling fans, hardware and lighting were kept. In 1984, the building 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.