The museum opened in 1982 when - with a growing collection of local objects to be housed and displayed - a group of volunteers raised funds to purchase the present site and its empty, derelict buildings. Much time and effort was then put in to refurbish the buildings for their new role.

Having opened to the public, over the years further enhancements and additions to displays, galleries and facilities have taken place to win awards and provide the present services and representations of Dartmoor’s history.