The museum collects and preserves the history of the Anamosa State Penitentiary, and presents it to the public in a museum setting. Displays include information about current conditions as well as the history of this 135 year old prison that is Iowa's largest correctional facility. The museum is located in a prison building located adjacent to the prison. The museum building, and the entire prison, is on the National Register of Historic Places.

The museum, opened in 2002, is staffed by volunteers and managed by an all volunteer Board of Directors.