Mick Scott with Leonard W. Lanfranco's assistance, opened the museum in 1986.

[2] It opened on June 26 of that year in the Erickson Saloon building and was initiated by the Portland Advertising Federation.

[8] In 2003, the HMH ad agency won an ADDY award for their design for the museum's stationery.

[3] Their exhibits included displays on icons from the advertising world, "Aunt Jemima Meets Mr. Peanut", and displays from a permanent collection featuring advertising from as early as the 18th century.

[13] Last located on NW Fifth Avenue, the museum contained a gift shop featuring advertising themed merchandise.