The Roanoke Historical Museum was founded in 1992, by a few local residents with the goal of preserving the history of the Roanoke Area.The initial board members of the Museum included: DeLoss Hartley, Donna Redding, Kurt Ness, Kate Hoffman, EJ Richards, Sheila Hines, Robert Zent, Ralph Rice, Sue Federspiel, Bev Johnson.These Members initially met and formed the museum, which initially resided in the Former Roanoke State Bank Building, located at 199 N Main Street, with the assistance from American Specialty Insurance.In 1998, the Museum purchased the building, located on First Street, where it currently resides.