The collections include local history, archaeology, decorative and fine art, agriculture, costume and textiles.

The museum is situated in the 18th century Grade II* listed Amcott House on Grove Street, Retford where it moved in 1986.

[2] In July 2020, Bassetlaw Museum was the site of a community art project during the Coronavirus crisis called 'The Retford Positivity Rock Snake'.

The cultural exchange project was aimed at hearing the Wampanoag perspective during the 400th year anniversary of the Mayflower sailing.

The programme enabled primary age pupils to learn about Native American culture, the shared Wampanoag-Bassetlaw history, and to watch the assembly of a Wetu in the grounds of the museum.