The Soviet District Local History Museum in the Kirov region, one of the oldest in the area, was opened on June 16, 1910, thanks to the initiative of local historian A. S. Lebedev. From 1919 to 1922, there were two separate museums: one for local history and one for art and antiquities. In 1922, they merged into a scientific and artistic museum, which became a local history museum in 1926. Since 1936, it has been known as the local history museum.

In 1985, the museum moved to a new building, which previously housed the House of Culture from the 1930s until 1977. From 1986 to 1991, new exhibitions were arranged in collaboration with artists from the Kirov artistic production workshops: a nature department, the history of the region from the first settlements to 1914, the history of the region from 1917 to 2006, and an exhibition about outstanding local figures.

Since 1998, the museum has operated as a municipal cultural institution under the name 'Soviet District Local History Museum.' In 2004, at the initiative of the museum staff and local historians, the Soviet District Duma decided to name the museum after A. S. Lebedev. The museum has an exhibition hall where works by amateur artists and souvenirs from masters of decorative and applied arts can be purchased.

The museum staff is small, consisting of only three people: a director and two employees. Despite economic difficulties, they actively promote local history knowledge among the residents of the city and district through exhibitions, excursions, lectures, and thematic events covering 30 topics. The staff continually works on improving the quality of events and finding new forms of cultural and educational activities, successfully attracting about 17,000 visitors annually.

In the context of the erosion of moral values, local history remains an important part of education based on the good traditions of the past. It helps develop feelings such as patriotism, love for the native land, and respect for traditions.

Museum staff assist students in reinforcing their knowledge of history, natural science, and aesthetics, conduct drawing lessons, and organize literary and musical compositions for commemorative dates in collaboration with the folk ensemble 'Silver Dew' from the veterans' club.

In recent years, thanks to the joint efforts of local historians and staff, 14 publications on the history of the city and district and its residents have been released. This has activated research and collection activities. The museum's collections hold over 15,000 main exhibits and more than 10,000 auxiliary scientific items.

The museum actively collaborates with local newspapers and maintains ongoing connections with children's institutions and educational establishments in the city. It serves as a center for the historical memory of the district, and the staff strives for every resident to know its history.