In the 19th century, navigation on the Volga was quite a complex task. At that time, various water structures did not yet exist, and the river was neither wide nor deep, but rather capricious. Navigation was complicated by numerous shallows and clay outcrops. To successfully navigate the route, an experienced pilot was required, one who knew the riverbed like the back of their hand and could guide the vessel without incidents. In Myshkin, there were such pilots who accompanied ships not only in their local area but also along the entire route. The pilot's trade was often passed down from father to sons, and older family members shared their experience and skills. They were well compensated for their services, as the speed and safety of goods arriving at their destination depended on the pilots' work. There are known cases where pilots, having become wealthy, continued their work while combining it with other duties.

The Pilot Museum, also known as the local history and ethnographic museum, was founded in 1966. It houses materials on the pilot profession, including ancient anchors, rudders, and steering wheels. Other exhibits in the museum present the history of Myshkin and its notable residents, as well as testimonies of the old urban and peasant way of life. The museum tells the stories of famous writers, merchants, and patrons, talented craftsmen, and simply townspeople who loved Myshkin and contributed to its development.