Established in 2005, the museum's collection includes archaeological material from the earliest Polynesian settlers, as well as artefacts from HMS Bounty.

[3] The museum contains ancient artefacts such as stone tools, which were made by Polynesians who lived on the island prior to the arrival of the mutineers.

[4][6] The collection also includes archival items, such as letters written to family members on Pitcairn from those living on Norfolk Island.

The earliest object collected is and adze brought back by William Gunn who was Surgeon General of HMS Curacao.

[2] Examples of tapa cloth are held in the British Museum and at Kew Gardens, in particular those made by original settlers Mauatua and Teraura.