The Red River Valley Museum had humble beginnings. When founded in 1963, it housed its single exhibit, a box of arrowheads, in an unused cloak room at the Wilbarger Auditorium.
 
In 1975 an old, vacant hospital building was donated. With the move into larger quarters, the museum's mission was expanded to include memorabilia relating to Vernon.
 
In 1983 William A. Bond told the Board of Directors that he would make a donation to kick off a building fund and if successful, he would donate his collection of over 130 record-holding wild game trophy mounts from around the world. Within a year the funds had been raised. School children collected money to "buy a brick," local patrons made donations and a Gatlin Brothers show and dinner were held on the grounds of Electra Waggoner Biggs' historic home, the Santa Rosa Ranch.
 
In 1985 the present 15,000 square feet building was dedicated and the mission expanded further to include the preservation and exhibition of artifacts that encompass and influence the education, history and lives of Vernon and Wilbarger County inhabitants.
 
The museum staff continue to redesign and refine existing exhibits as well as adding new ones. A replica of Electra Waggoner Biggs art studio has been installed in the Waggoner Room, and Great Western Trail exhibits are constantly expanding. In fact, the museum is working towards doubling its size to adequately preserve the history of the Great Western Trail.
 
Past Directors of the Red River Valley Museum include Jim Henson, Kathleen Grima and Ann Huskinson.