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The Huntingdon County Historical Society was formed in 1936 to plan the observance of the county's 150th anniversary. At the successful conclusion of that effort, those involved elected to charter the Society as an ongoing organization. In 1952 the Society entered a new phase in its history when it inherited, jointly with the Huntingdon County Library, the real property of Miss Clara McMurtrie, a charter member of the historical society. Initially the Library and the Society shared the McMurtrie home at 332 Penn Street, but in 1965 the two groups divided the total McMurtrie property, with the society becoming the sole owner of the William McMurtrie house at 106 Fourth Street, the former McMurtrie store building at 100 Fourth, and the garage-apartment behind 106 Fourth.

The William McMurtrie house was restored, principally as a house museum, for Huntingdon's Bicentennial in 1967. In 1974 an exhibit gallery was created in the store building, and the Society was finally able to conduct all its activities, including meetings, in its own quarters. With ever greater use of the society's research facilities, more space was allocated to the library and office functions, which were moved to a more convenient location on the first floor of the McMurtrie House in 1984.

To mark the Huntingdon County Bicentennial in 1987, the McMurtrie Museum rooms were completely redecorated to the period of the County Centennial in 1887. The out-kitchen at the rear of the house was restored and added to the Society's house museum tour, and the little "1887" house, built for a float in the Centennial parade, was placed in the yard of 106 Fourth street.

The library and archives also include a variety of sources for general historical research: a large photograph collection; a county-wide survey of buildings and historic sites; maps; special projects on local art and artists, coverlets, quilts, and stoneware; scrapbooks; ledgers; and extensive manuscript and clipping files.

The research staff responds to all requests for information, genealogical and general, which are received by mail or by phone, as well as assisting those who use the library in person. A daily fee of $5.00 is charged library users who are not Society members, and a schedule of charges and services has been established for research done for those who cannot visit the library in person.

The McMurtrie House Museum includes the parlor, hall, and two bedrooms, which have been decorated in the period of the Huntingdon County Centennialin 1887, for the purpose of interpreting the furnishings and styles of that era to the public. In addition, children's toys of many eras are displayed in the McMurtrie home, and kitchen equipment and lighting devices are exhibited in the out-kitchen. The museum rooms are open at announced times, or arrangements can be made for guided tours, for large or small groups, by calling (814) 643-5449. There is no charge for tours.

The Exhibit Gallery is home to a museum about J.C. Blair, inventor of the tablet. The Exhibit Gallery offers a large meeting room where Society programs and exhibits are held. Equipped with display panels and cases, and track lighting, the space is ideal for varied exhibit purposes. The room can be heated  or air-conditioned, depending upon the season. The gallery has been rented to a variety of community organizations for their exhibits or programs. Arrangements for such use can be made by calling the Society at (814) 643-5449.

Since 1970, the Society has owned this historic property on Route 305, in Barree Township. It includes the Shaver's Creek Presbyterian Church, built in 1825, and a large two-part cemetery adjacent to it. The building is the oldest existing church in Huntingdon County and, because it has been without a regular congregation for more than a century, it has undergone few changes and retains much of its early character. A Sunday morning worship service is held in the church each summer, and the building has also been used for weddings, baptisms, hymn sings, Christmas caroling, picnics, and as a destination for groups touring historic sites. Arrangements for use of this site can be made by calling the Society at (814) 643-5449.