In 1971 the Ozark Folk Festival Board of Directors purchased the historic Calif House for the purpose of establishing a museum of local history. A museum advisory board accepted the task to collect, preserve and exhibit artifacts in the building, and the museum opened to the public October, 1971.

In 1980, Eureka Springs Historical Museum, Inc., an association open to membership to all interested persons, assumed ownership of the museum property and oversight of its operation. The wood and glass store front and two-story ornamented wood porches were replaced as the building was restored to its original appearance.