The building was designed for Library and Municipal Offices, erected in 1891. In the mid 20th century Mrs Freda Hattingh collected articles and proposed that a museum be initiated. The Municipal Council made the building available and the museum was opened on 6 August 1972.
The museum houses the interesting displays of the historical occurrence of bushman, who occupied the area in previous times. The history of European Settlers in the Barkly East area, is promoted through the collection of furniture and the
implements used in sheep and cattle farming, the dominant industry of the local economy. The museum features Xhosa traditional beadwork, modern Xhosa art, Zulu beads and weapons.
Also displayed are the collections of clothing, uniforms from the Anglo Boer War (1899 - 1902), First World War (1914 - 1918) and Second World War (1939 - 1945).
