It is dedicated to the preservation of old buildings and artefacts from Markham's past, especially as the original rural village has become an urban centre.

[1] One of the oldest buildings is the Hoover House, built in 1824 by a Mennonite family that was originally from Pennsylvania.

[2] The site has been open since 1971, using the former Mount Joy School (1907) as its main offices and archives.

All of the historic buildings were moved to the site from other places around Markham, with the exception of the Mount Joy School.

Markham Museum is open year-round to visitors, event rentals and researchers.