The museum was dedicated in 1974 in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the arrival of Mennonites who in 1874 migrated from Russia to what is now the Goessel area.  It is a tribute to these people, who brought with them precious kernels of Turkey Red wheat, and to others who helped make Kansas the breadbasket of the world.

The museum complex includes eight buildings which visitors may visit on a self-guided tour.  The Immigrant House and Turkey Red Wheat Palace were built on site.  The other six structures , five of which are move than 100 years old, were moved from various places in the area to the museum grounds for preservation and restoration.