The Hiiumaa Muuseumid Foundation is the central memory institution of the Hiiumaa island; a preserver, researcher, and presenter of spiritual and material heritage; a keeper and reinforcer of all that is unique about Hiiumaa.

The museum was founded in 1967. Back then, it was called the Hiiumaa Local History Museum and its initiator was a teacher by the name Volli Mäeumbaed. The museum was originally opened in the craftsmen’s house of Kassari Manor (the current Kassari Exposition Building) and had evolved from the local history circles of Leisu School and Mänspäe School, where Volli Mäeumbaed worked as a teacher and promoted the collecting of materials on local history before founding the museum. In 1973, a house museum dedicated to composer Rudolf Tobias was founded in the sacristan’s house of Käina Church in Selja Village. The house museum was managed by the Hiiumaa Local History Museum. In 1984–2002, the Hiiumaa Local History Museum had another branch museum – the Paul Kamm House Museum –, which has ceased its activity by now. In 1987, the museum bought the building ensemble of Mihkli farm in Malvaste Village. In 1988, Helma Kiibus left Kroogi farm in Valgu Village to the Hiiumaa Local History Museum in her will. In the 1990s, the former residence of the director of the Kärdla Broadcloth Factory, which also served as the office building of the factory – locally known throughout the ages as the Long House –, was renovated to be used as the main building of the museum. The Long House was opened in 1998 and has remained as the museum’s main building ever since.

In 1991, after Estonia as a country regained its independence, the Hiiumaa Local History Museum became the Hiiumaa Museum. On 21 October 2014, the Hiiumaa Muuseumid Foundation was founded. The foundation was financed by the state and the local municipalities and its aim was to enhance the museum’s cooperation with the municipalities and the local community as well as promote the role of the museum as a cultural institution. According to our statute, our aim is, by managing and using our resources, to collect, store, and present the cultural heritage of Hiiumaa as well as improve the competitiveness of Hiiumaa in the fields of culture, education, and tourism.

The museum collection consists of about 35,000 museum objects, which have been divided into 12 subcollections. It is possible to view all museum objects via the portal www.muis.ee or, by prior agreement, on the spot. We also respond to inquiries on topics related to historical and cultural heritage, as well as compile researches on such topics on our own initiative and publish the findings. For the public, we organise seminars, conferences, lectures, trainings, guided tours, and, of course, exhibitions. Visitors eager to gain new knowledge are welcome to our museum lessons and workshops.

The museum also provides additional services, for example, it is possible to rent our branch museums and rooms for hosting various events (wedding ceremonies, receptions, seminars, picnics, etc.). The museum has five branches, each with its unique style and essence. The hall in the Long House has gained recognition as a great place for concerts, due to its excellent acoustics.