The Village officially opened on June 26, 1959 with support from Dr. Wilfrid Jury, Director of the University of Western Ontario's Museum of Indian Archaeology and Pioneer Life.

Wilfrid Jury had accumulated a large collection of pioneer artefacts which were exhibited at Middlesex College, University of Western Ontario.

Fanshawe Pioneer Village contains a collection of material culture significant to the history of the city of London and Middlesex County.

As part of their attempt to encourage community involvement, Fanshawe Pioneer Village hosts a number of historically based events every year.

Fanshawe Settlement 1820-1850 is intended to be representative of the impact upon the land and aboriginal people by settlers who immigrated from Europe and other parts of North America to the London area in the first half of the 19th century.