Its origins date back to the 1920s when the building housed the Somerville Historical Society's art collections, but this location officially became the Somerville Museum in 1988 after generous donations allowed for renovations.

The Somerville Museum is the only community-based and member-supported institution of it's kind in Somerville. Not unlike the Somerville Open Studios (SOS) project, which the museum participates in every year, the space is designed to be a reflection of this community's diversity. Exhibits range from work by local visual artists to historical presentations in a community context and coolaborative efforts with the Somerville Public Schools.

Additionally, the museum serves as a meeting place for cultural organizations and has hosted musical performances.

Somerville Museum encourages people to bring their creative/research ideas to the table for possible exhibit, even if they have no prior experience curating for museums. Please visit the Community Curatorial Program page of the museum's website for more information.