The Central Nevada Museum was founded in 1981 by the Central Nevada Historical Society.
Construction was financed through a grant from the Fleischmann Foundation, Reno, Nevada. The museum is operated under the direction of the Central Nevada Historical Society and Nye County.
The Central Nevada Historical Society is dedicated to the preservation of the history of Central Nevada in Nye and Esmeralda Counties as well as surrounding areas. All collections belong to the Central Nevada Historical Society.