The plan to create a museum was first conceived in 1999. Local historians, led by Susan Hollowell, were concerned that, due to the town’s fast expansion, Rushden would lack a place to preserve and display its past. Various locations have been investigated throughout the years, but all have proven to be unsuitable or out of reach owing to financial constraints. Despite this, donations were still being solicited under the Friends of Rushden Museum banner (F.O.R.M). After the death of its leader Susan, the organisation remained dormant until November 2005, when a new constitution and a new board of trustees took over the reins of F.O.R.M and guided it to where it is now.