The museum carefully preserves the memory of the outstanding public figure, industrialist, and educator Ivan Andreyevich Milyutin.

During his nearly fifty years as the mayor of Cherepovets, seven educational institutions, a public library, a museum, a bookstore, a pharmacy, a printing house, a charitable institution at the cathedral, and a home for the needy in the name of Saints Philip and Maria were established in the city. A harbor was also created, street lighting was organized, and telephone communication was introduced. Thanks to Milyutin's efforts, the Northern Railway passed through Cherepovets.

The house, built on a high hill next to the main city cathedral and overlooking the Sheksna River, was positioned so that a wide view of the river opened from the southern side. The composition of the estate harmoniously combines the natural landscape and architecture.