Its collection consists mainly of historic buildings at risk of demolition that have been dismantled and reconstructed in the museum grounds in a process of structure relocation.

[2][3][4][5] The charity's aims are to create a living landscape connecting the past to the present — people and place; preserving and interpreting the cultural heritage of the Chilterns.

A fine pair of cottages from 57 Compton Avenue at Leagrave, near Luton which started out as a weather-boarded thatched barn with central double doors in the early 18th century.

[8] At the museum there are many hands-on activities and traditional skills experience days including blacksmithing, willow sculpting and weaving, straw plaiting, historic cooking and folk singing.

[12] The museum has featured in a number of noted productions, including Mary Queen of Scots, Downton Abbey, Inside No.

9, Call the Midwife, Grantchester, Midsomer Murders, Horrible Histories, The Suspicions of Mr Whicher, Bramwell, Shine on Harvey Moon, and Taskmaster.