The Yorkshire Museum of Farming was established by the Yorkshire Farm Machinery Preservation Society. This society began negotiations to build a museum on the Murton Park site in the late 1970s. In 1982 the museum was opened to the public and the Yorkshire Farm Machinery Preservation Society was reconstructed and renamed the Yorkshire Museum of Farming Ltd. which operates as a registered charity. It is the continued mission of the museum to collect, document, display, research and preserve material relating to farming practices in the historic boundaries of Yorkshire from the earliest agricultural practice up to the mid twentieth century.

The Yorkshire Museum of Farming is the only museum in the district specifically dedicated to the history of farming and agriculture. The historic Ridings of Yorkshire encompass diverse agricultural terrain, including the Wolds, the coastal North York Moors, and the Pennine Dales. Historically, Yorkshire has been a vital hub of agricultural practice and this continues today.

For thousands of years, agriculture has played a vital role in land management and the farming of goods and food. Over time, farming has not only provided people with the necessary staples to live but has generated a wealth of social customs, traditions, and folklore that has enriched communities. The museum is dedicated to preserving this heritage and is always looking to expand key areas of its collection to fully represent the diverse topic of farming and the culture that surrounds it.

The Yorkshire Museum of Farming provides a home for societies and organisations whose work relates to farming in the region. The Yorkshire Guild of Spinners, Weavers and Dyers are based at Murton Park and the Yorkshire and District Beekeepers Association have their pavilion and apiary on site.

For more information about our collection please take time to read our collection page by following the link to left.

Volunteers are always welcome
Please contact us for more details