The Carroll County Historical Society was first started by the vision of 5 citizens, who met in the basement of the Carrollton, VFW building on May 18, 1955.
The Historical Society was permanently established on May 23, 1956, at which time Paul West, First Vice President wrote, "After 123 years of history, Carroll County has a Historical Society. The purpose of this society shall be to collect, and preserve information pertaining to historical events of Carroll County; to assume responsibility for proper recognition and preservation of various historical landmarks, relics, souvenirs, and Missouriana; to do suitable honor to those hardy pioneers of this county, who laid the foundation for our present happiness, by arranging and promulgating anniversary celebrations, and meetings in their memory; to engender rightful pride in the rich history of Carroll County, and the State of Missouri; and to establish and maintain a Carroll County Museum.