It was founded by two canal workers and enthusiasts, Charles N. Hadlow, the first curator, and Jack James, its first caretaker, whose personal collections formed the main part of its initial exhibits.

After the creation of the Canal & River Trust in 2010, the Stoke Bruerne museum was rebranded to its original name.

[5] The museum is housed in a restored Grade II listed corn mill at the top of a flight of canal locks,[6] and is one of several museums and attractions operated by the Canal & River Trust, the successor to The Waterways Trust.

The museum tells the story of Britain's inland waterways and the people who worked on them.

Exhibits include models of working boats including narrow boats, barges, butties and tugs, painted ware and canal crafts, traditional clothing, canal-side signs and specialist tools.