As a part of the NSDAR, the museum sought to promote historic preservation and patriotism through collections and displays of colonial era artifacts.

Thanks to several DAR organizational, member, non-member, and purchased acquisitions, the museum's collection expanded to more than 30,000 items over the years.

Located in the adjacent DAR Constitution Hall, the library is a facility for researching historical and family information.

Tours focus on topics such as historical quilt making, the lives of children in colonial times, and basic facets of 19th century life.

At the time, Victorian styles of dress were more common, with bustles, skirts, and other layered items of clothing composing the majority of women's wardrobes.