From its opening in 1960 until 2011, the museum was located in the 1893 Peirce Mansion at 2901 Jackson Street.

First purchased by a group called the Junior League in 1959, the opening of the mansion as a museum was in September 1960.

[2] Subjects in the museum included anthropology, archeology, natural history, science, and the military.

[4] A new location was opened in 2011 in Sioux City's downtown at a former J. C. Penney store which includes a theater, classrooms, and exhibition rooms.

Students from the Sioux City Community School District make models of local landmarks that are judged every year by the museum and the Historical Association.