The museum is built upon a plot of land originally granted to Captain John McGregor by the Crown for outstanding service in the War of 1812. In 1876, McGregor donated the land to the Town of Wallaceburg. He stipulated the land was to be used for municipal purposes, and it became the site of the First Town Hall and Opera House. In 1925, the Wallaceburg Hydro building was constructed on the site. In 1905, the Hedgling Brass and Iron Manufacturing Company (now the former Waltec) began its operations in this building's basement. The Town of Wallaceburg purchased the building from Wallaceburg Hydro in 1983.

Wallaceburg & District Museum Timeline

1972	During a 12-week effort by eight Wallaceburg District Secondary School graduates — as part of a federal government project— it was discovered Mr. Frank Mann had been compiling information on the history of Wallaceburg. With Town Council endorsement, more documentation, photos, maps, etc., were compiled and organized.
1974	The newly formed Wallaceburg and District Historical Society became involved. Its aim was to preserve the history of agriculture, industry, institution and residences in Wallaceburg and the surrounding area.
1975	A "New Horizon Grant" was obtained, which was used to purchase microfische and recording equipment. Interviews were conducted with older citizens, and material properly stored.
1976	The Historical Society moved from the Frank Mann Room at Wallaceburg District Secondary School to the Wallaceburg Public Library, as acquisitions required more space.
1981	With the Ontario Ministry of Culture and Recreation guiding the Historical Society plans for a town museum became more attainable.
1982	The Historical Society looked at the former Hydro building as a possible museum site.
1983	The Town of Wallaceburg purchased the building from Wallaceburg Hydro for $1. The museum had a home.
1984	On June 29th the official opening of the Wallaceburg and District Museum was held.
1997	Von Ayres Cultural Centre undergoes renovations.
2001	Work began on the Glass Gallery Exhibit. Volunteers and staff worked tirelessly modernizing the exhibit by building large interpretive panels and a diorama. Glass display cases were also purchased to profile more pieces.
2002	The Glass Gallery is completed. Retired Glass Factory workers authenticated pieces.
2006	After a four-year renovation hiatus, staff and volunteers began work on a large exhibit. This became the Industrial Room. Portable walls were constructed to create more space and allow for future remodeling. Once again, volunteers helped with the interpretation and verification of information to provide a more enriching experience for visitors.
2008	Exhibit expansion into the lower level began. Originally used for overflow space, this area was to become three exhibits.
2009	While not yet complete, vistors could now go down stairs to enjoy the museum's classic toys, Baldoon Mystery, and Legion room exhibits. The Pole Barn was erected for the storage of artifacts and dedicated to the memory of George VanSnick.
2010	Lower level exhibits were completed. The museum website was redesigned. The Industrial Room wall map project was launched. The museum received a $2,600 "Museums and Technology" Grant through the Government of Ontario, Ministry of Culture to purchase Past Perfect, a digital database program enabling the cataloging of all archival materials. Also this year, the Black Goose Mural was painted and installed on the northside of the museum. Funding for the mural and a bench was provided by Saundra VanSnick, in memory of her husband, George, a founding member of the Historical Society. This area has been dedicated in his memory.
2011	With funding provided by the Wallaceburg Sports Hall of Fame, the sports room underwent a complete renovation. A touch-screen exhibit was added cataloguing Wallaceburg Sports Hall of Fame inductees. A digital information sign was installed on the front of the building. The website was once again redesigned.