The community of Chilliwack first considered developing a museum in 1956, as a project to celebrate the town's centennial year, 1958.

[4] Residents whose ancestors were pioneers in the area, including Judge Allan Guinet, Oliver Wells, Earl McLeod, Mary Hickman, E.H. Patriquin, took the lead.

[10] In 2014 the museum provided resources for and helped to develop a local history effort, the Chilliwack Poppy Project.

[21] The Executive Director oversees the work of four full-time and three part-time staff members in addition to approximately 20 volunteers.

The Chilliwack Museum and Historical Society receives funding from federal, provincial and municipal governments.