With the help of volunteers, the mill's sole remaining building was transformed into a museum dedicated to preserving the heritage of Saddleworth.

In 1980, a successful public appeal campaign allowed the museum to expand and add a community gallery for art exhibitions and local events.

[3] By 2010, the museum faced significant challenges, including dwindling public funding and the increasing strain of maintaining its aging infrastructure.

A successful grant application to the National Heritage Lottery Fund in 2014 allowed for a major refurbishment project.

[7][8] The museum remains financially sustainable through a combination of earned income (art gallery fees, admissions, shop sales, and educational programs) and public donations.