The present building of the museum was the former Spanish Era Casa Tribunal of Tuguegarao and the Old Cagayan Provincial Jail. It was founded in 1973 by former Governor Teresa J. Dupaya in order to showcase the cultural riches of Cagayan. Also exhibited here are prehistoric fossils and tools excavated from various archeological sites in Cagayan and Kalinga. It was formerly located at the Cagayan Capitol grounds until it was moved here in 2018 during the administration of Governor Manuel N. Mamba.
Source: Prince Wilson A. Macarubbo, President of the Cagayan Heritage Conservation Society, and Cagayan Museum and Historical Center.