The Southern Cross Historical Society began in 1971 and the Yilgarn Museum in 1979. Both entities operated with the same members under the title Southern Cross and Yilgarn District Historical Society and Museum.

The Southern Cross and Districts Historical Society, which used to be a separate association, was combined with the History Museum some years ago and they are now known as the Yilgarn History Museum Southern Cross Incorporated.

The museum is a Recognised Local Museum under the WA Museums Act, the building is vested in the Yilgarn Shire which does any maintenance. Museum artifacts are housed in the former Court House.

The Society holds journals, photos, newspapers etc pertaining to the history of Yilgarn Area and towns within that Shire. Also, diaries, oral history, autobiographies of people and families who have lived, worked and pioneered in this area.

Their holdings include:

• Shire Council: Minute books
• Individual diaries and published books, 1888- present
• Newspapers published within Southern Cross
• Yilgarn Museum: Papers and publications, 1888- present
• Individuals: Books, theses, autobiographies, family trees and records.