Located at the rear of the Corn Exchange on the High Street in Dalkeith, this museum reveals the history and development of the area through display panels, film, photographs and a fascinating collection of artefacts, including models, uniforms and items relating the governance of Dalkeith. Exhibits are categorised under various themes including industry, society, agriculture, architecture, domestic life, crime, leisure, politics, transport and war. There are also temporary exhibitions. Further items on display represent local industries including mills, foundries and factories producing brushes, carpets, ropes, leather goods, carbonated drinks and brass-work, together with coal-mines and the railways which transported all of these goods to market. The lives of personalities explored include the forger John Henry Greatrex (1827-76). The wartime collection ranges from the activities of George Monk (1608-70) the Cromwellian General who based himself at Dalkeith Palace to Sir John Stagg (1900-75) the meteorologist responsible for setting the date for D-Day during World War II. The museum also has a collection of documents and books available to researchers.
A small charity run by volunteers, Dalkeith History Society was founded in 1975 by Provost David Smith as the previously independent burgh of Dalkeith became part of Midlothian District. Initially based in a few rooms in the former Council Chambers on Buccleuch Street, they were able to build up a collection of artefacts, documents and photographs and to undertake research into Dalkeith's past. this collection was relocated to the former Dalkeith Corn Exchange in 2016, which had benefited from a three-year restoration to convert the building into offices and a museum. The museum was opened by the Duke of Buccleuch.
