When the Iosco County Historical Society (ICHS) was founded on December 10, 1967, with officers, trustees and representatives from every city and township in the county, its major goal was to establish a county historical museum. This goal has now become a reality.The late Joseph Barkman donated $10,000 and many antique pieces from his private collection to help start the museum. His brother Harris was the moving force in getting the museum opened and acted as the director for many years.

The museum is located in a house built in 1903 by James D. Hawks, first president of the Detroit and Mackinaw Railroad. It was built for his daughter and son-in-law, Harry Waterman, who was assistant superintendent for the railroad. They occupied the house until 1912. For the next 60 years, until 1972, it was the home of Lloyd G. McKay
and family.