Originally known as the Lutz Junior Museum, it was developed on March 4, 1953 by a vote of the Manchester Parent Teacher Association (PTA) Council.

During her travels, she had collected a variety of artifacts and trinkets that she believed would be of interest to children[clarification needed].

From her storage closet, the PTA offered the museum its first official home in the basement of the Waddell School.

The museum now had a home that would allow the display of its collection, the exhibit of live animals, and a space to hold year-round classes for children.

The former South School building, situated beside the Charter Oak Reservoir with scenic views of the Manchester Country Club, was proposed as a new location.

[citation needed] The museum offers classes in art, history, and natural sciences taught by its resident teachers.

There are hometown staples such as Marlow's department store (now closed), the typical Main Street apartment, and nods to World War II such as an old-fashioned radio, newspapers, and other artifacts.