The journals of the Yaransk Zemstvo Assembly mention: "In 1895, a handicraft museum was opened in Yaransk, which facilitated the sale of products by local craftsmen." This is from the report of the Yaransk District Zemstvo Assembly at the XXIX regular session.

The house at 9 Kirova Street belonged to merchant Stepan Filippovich Rodigin until 1918, who likely traded in grain. During the Soviet era, the building was used for various purposes. It is known that from 1943 to 1946, during the Great Patriotic War, a chemical technical school was located here. In the mid-1950s, the building was converted into a children's nursery. It consisted of two parts, which were joined by an extension in the 1970s. The nursery was closed in 1997, and the building was reconfigured. Since 1998, it has housed the Local History Museum.

Currently, the museum features permanent exhibitions: "The Geological Past of Our Region," "Features of the Plant and Animal World." The historical department includes subsections: "Archaeology," "Settlement of the Region by the Mari People," "History of the City of Yaransk," "Crafts and Industries," "Self-taught Inventor L. L. Shamshurenkov," "Yaransk in the 19th and 20th Centuries," "Peasant Hut, 11th and 20th Centuries," "Socialist Revolution and Civil War 1918-1920." The Hall of Military Glory presents information about the Patriotic War of 1812 and the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945, as well as exhibitions on "Industry and Agriculture of the Region," "Under the Shade of Holy Banners," and four halls with constantly changing exhibitions.

The museum's exhibits cover different historical periods. The museum's fund is divided into the main and scientific auxiliary collections, totaling about 30,000 items. The museum has several collections: "Written Sources," "Wood and Others," "Clothing, Footwear, Accessories," "Metal," "Household Appliances," and others.