The present Carnegie Center for Arts and History, located in downtown Jackson, opened in 1903 as the Jackson Free Library, the town's first library, financed by Jackson City Council funds and a matching $30,000 grant from philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. In 1968, the Carnegie was replaced by the newer larger Jackson-Madison County Library and was allowed to fall into disrepair from 1968 to 1987.

The Carnegie has been restored through the efforts of the Jackson Recreation and Parks Department to its original beauty and usefulness to serve the city and surrounding area as an art and history center. Additional funding for the restoration and renovation of the building and grounds has been obtained through generous community contributions of money, time, period furnishings and expertise, governmental and industry grants and various fund-raisers.

Officially dedicated on November 18, 1988, with a ceremony highlighted by an address by Charles A. Howell, III, President, of Trust for the Future Conservation Education Foundation. This opening was preceded by a month-long series of live theater, performed poetry, an arts and crafts show, an art exhibit, a photograph display, concerts, children's story hours, a gourmet dinner and wine-tasting and a slide presentation showing the steps of Carnegie's reclamation.

Today, the Carnegie Center for Arts and History stands as proof that Jacksonians value their heritage and choose to preserve it for future generations. The facility serves as a gathering place for many groups and individuals including weddings, receptions, teas, luncheons, fashion shows, recitals, musical programs, art showings, collectors' exhibits, business meetings, class reunions and many other events. The Carnegie is one of the most popular places for special events and is available for rental. For more information, contact The Jackson Centre at(731) 425-8580.