For many decades the people of Cimarron County did whatever they could to preserve the unique historical heritage of their county. Locals welcomed scholars to the region to study artifacts, written accounts and oral histories. Dedicated residents did much to collect information and compile articles and books about Cimarron County's exciting past. Local families have preserved many of the frequent and valuable finds of fossils and historic artifacts. Other items made their way for storage of exhibition at other museums far away from Cimarron County.

In 1996, the CHC was named the "Outstanding Local Historical Society Museum" by the Oklahoma Historical Society and was recently the host of the 1997 Santa Fe Trail Symposium. The CHC is managed and operated by volunteers of the Community.