The collection was started by Lucie Bishop in the 1940s and has been added to over the years. Among the many objects on display are 19th- and 20th-century paintings by local artists, some of national importance. The present building was opened in 1994. There is an extensive collection of local paintings showing the village, churches, farmhouses, country houses, cottages and rural lanes, etc. All the paintings have been donated to the Museum.