The Jasper Historical Society held its first general meeting in January, 1963. Early projects included working with Jasper National Park to install a commemorative plaque at Athabasca Pass and to protect heritage items at the Palisades Ranch and Pocahontas Cemetery. Later, the society, renamed the Jasper-Yellowhead Historical Society (JYHS), established its office and archives in the basement of the Jasper Library. Finally, in 1977, the Jasper- Yellowhead Historical Society registered as a non-profit, charitable organization. The Society soon began planning and fundraising for a community museum.