Upon his election as chancellor of the University of Saskatchewan in 1969, Diefenbaker approached the university with an offer to donate his estate to the institution, on the condition that a museum and archives be built to house and display his items.

Diefenbaker's inspiration in this regard was the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum in Independence, Missouri, which he had previously visited.

The centre's museum contains a permanent display on the life and career of Diefenbaker, highlighted by replica rooms of the Prime Minister's Office and Privy Council Chambers, as they existed on Parliament Hill during his governments from 1957 to 1963.

A portion of the museum is set aside for traveling exhibits related to his career interests.

Bennett, are the only prime ministerial papers not housed at Library and Archives Canada.