The museum was established in 1987, in recognition of the fact that the distinct culture of Home Island needed formal preservation.

[3][1] The site includes the displays on local culture and traditions, as well as the early history of the islands and their ownership by the Clunies-Ross family.

[4][5] The museum also includes displays on military and naval history, as well as local botanical and zoological items.

[2] In February 2021 the Shire of Cocos applied for a grant in order to adapt the Tokoh/Old Workshop on Home Island into a new museum and visitor centre.

[8] Objects include traditional Malay costumes and examples of wayang kulit, which were used in performances by Nek Ichang, the island's dalang (puppeteer) until his death in 1949.