In 1969, Noel Taylor, who was President of the Auckland Trotting Club from 1984–89, gifted $650,000 to help set up the museum.
A small tote building in the Derby area was converted into a museum and was officially opened in 1970 by Allan Highet, the Member of Parliament for Remuera.
In 1985 the museum moved to the larger totalisator building behind the Alexandra Stand, with the inclusion of a library and a section devoted to the Harness Cadet Scheme.
The Hall Of Fame had an agreement with the Auckland Trotting Club to operate there for the peppercorn rental of $1 a year, with no termination date.
Included in the collection is: Individuals who have made major contributions to the museum include the late Les Callander, Neville Southey and Bill Moat, who worked with a small group of volunteers to develop the exhibits and to show people around the displays.