It was created on the initiative of the Society for Epirotic Studies (E.H.M.) and its subsidiary, the Ionian and Adriatic Studies Foundation (I.M.I.A.X.), with the aim of collecting, rescuing and utilizing objects of the Epirotic folk culture.

The items come either from donations of the patriots Epirotes or purchases, and were collected by its inspirer and creator, Kostas Frontzos, President of E.H.M. and I.M.I.A.X..

The 19th century Ottoman Manor house, which houses the Museum (42, M. Aggelou street), was used in the past to house the Ioannina Teaching School (1913-1936), the Zosimaia Pedagogical Academy (1934-1938 and 1941-1944), the Males' High School and the Public Technical School for Foremen.