Construction on the museum began in 1979, with primary contributions made by Warren Cook (Pamunkey) and Errett Callahan (an experimental archeologist).

[citation needed] Early in the museum’s history a living Indian Village was a major component of the exhibition but no longer exists.

Today glass display cabinets highlight the lifeways of the Pamunkey Indian Tribe and are the centerpiece of the museum.

[citation needed] The museum displays combine replicas, primarily created by Callahan, with original Native American artifacts donated by Tribal Citizens from their personal and familial collections.

The display cabinets begin with information dating to 12,000 years ago (the Ice Age) and incorporate all archaeological timeframes through to the modern period.