The Curtis Museum has a long history dating back to 1856 when it was founded by William Curtis, a local banker and antiquarian.
Curtis was a collector of local historical artifacts, and he decided to open a museum to displav his collection and share his passion for history with the public. The museum was originally located in a room in the Town Hall in Alton.
Over time, the museum's collection grew, and in 1927, it was moved to its current location in the former Corn Exchange building. The building was renovated and expanded to create more exhibition space for the growing collection. In 1963, the museum was officiallv named the Curtis Museum in honor of its
founder.

Today, the Curtis Museum is managed by the Hampshire Cultural Trust, and it continues to be a popular destination for locals and visitors alike. The museum's collections cover a wide range of topics related to the history and culture of Alton and the surrounding area, including archaeology, geology, local industries, and the lives of notable people associated with the town. The museum also offers educational programs and events
for visitors of all ages.