The Sawhill Collection, composed of over 1000 objects from around the globe, forms the basis of the Madison Art Collection. Drs. John and Bessie Sawhill, former professors of Madison College, donated this collection to the James Madison University Foundation in 1976.

John and Bessie were frequent travelers, and especially enjoyed visiting the Middle East. During their travels, the Sawhills collected thousands of items including books, documents, recordings, coins and works of art. The Sawhill’s donation accounts for the strength of the MAC’s Numismatic, North American, Ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Roman collections. You can access the Sawhill collection at JMU eMuseum: Sawhill Collection.