The River Valley Pioneer Museum's purpose is to promote, through the establishment and maintenance of a museum and allied projects, a program that will preserve the past, record the present and provide perspective for the future through the collection and exhibition of scientific, historic, and artistic data; to encourage and foster the culture of the region, including its pioneer life; and to enlist the support of the people of the area known as the river valley.

Local projects celebrating the Texas Sesquicentennial were elaborate and varied but none were grander than the formation of a county museum as planned by the Hemphill County Sesquicentennial Committee and the Hemphill County Historical Society. In 1985, the members of these two committees met with county commissioners for initial planning. Many months later, county funds were allocated to purchase a building and property that became the River Valley Pioneer Museum. The museum opened its doors on July 4, 1986. The product of community concern, dedication and hours of volunteer labor created a museum that to this day continues to record the daily life and history of this unique community.

Over 3,500 people visit the museum each year. The Museum is a member of the Texas Association of Museums and the Northwest Texas Museum Association.