Established in 1969, the museum has long been committed to preserving and exhibiting the history of southern Alberta. The museum is housed in a sandstone railroad station that was originally part of Calgary’s 9th Avenue Canadian Pacific Railroad depot in 1886. It was rebuilt in Claresholm in 1912.
Also included on the grounds is Claresholm’s original school, built in 1903, and a genuine pioneer log cabin.
The museum also is Claresholm's tourist information centre.