This museum houses a collection of social and industrial artefacts illustrating life and work in Sheffield from 1850 to 1950. Collected over the last 30 years, the objects demonstrate a variety of trades such as cutlery, tool making, shoe making, and the preparation of early medicines. There are also items from daily life in the Victorian era and during World War II. Many items are displayed in shop environments. The museum is owned by the University of Sheffield and run by Traditional Heritage and the Friends support organisation.