The foundation of the Surgut Local History Museum is associated with the name of Flegont Yakovlevich Pokazanyev, a veteran of the Great Patriotic War, a distinguished cultural worker of Russia, and an honorary citizen of Surgut. He collected hundreds of exhibits on the history of the city and region, which became the basis for the museum's first exhibition, opened on November 30, 1963, in a wooden house from the late 19th century, belonging to the Surgut merchant Galaktion Stepanovich Klepikov.

Flegont Yakovlevich long combined the duties of manager, curator of the funds, and tour guide. On January 3, 1985, the museum became a branch of the regional local history museum, which allowed for an expanded staff and increased collections. In the early 1990s, the museum organized its first ethnographic expedition to the Hanty camps, which initiated the study of archaeological and ethnographic territories in the Surgut district and the growth of collections. The formation of collections of old printed books, icons, and carved bone also began.

In 1999, the museum moved to a new building on 30 Years of Victory Street, occupying the first two floors. In 2002, it was one of the first in the region to equip its storage facilities with specialized equipment for the preservation of various items. In 2005, a Cultural and Communication Center in hi-tech style opened on the first floor, while the second floor is designated for changing exhibitions.

On June 11, 2005, the museum's first structural subdivision, the "Merchant's Estate" "House of Merchant G.S. Klepikov," opened, the only historical and cultural monument from the late 19th century in Surgut. Various projects and cultural events are implemented here. On June 22, 2007, the Center for Patriotic Heritage joined the museum, where events for the patriotic education of youth are held, including the project "Soldier of the Fatherland."

On September 13, 2007, the museum opened the memorial complex "House of F.K. Salmanov," dedicated to the discoverer of Siberian oil. The atmosphere of the 1960s has been recreated here, and on June 11, 2009, a bust of F. Salmanov was unveiled. The museum continues to grow and develop alongside the city, remaining its calling card.