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Construction began on the BCFMAM in June 1966 when the B.C. Farm Association's president, Archie Stevenson turned the sod in Fort Langley, next to the Langley Centennial Museum. In the 1950s, the museum was planned to be built out at UBC, but as the university kept expanding, it was deemed unsuitable. Fort Langley therefore, as the first to export agricultural commodities from the B.C. mainland, was chosen. Building began when funds had been raised nearly nine years later, and the museum was officially opened November 19, 1966 by Sir Robert Billinger, Lord Mayor of London. In December 1976, the provincial government gave the museum a grant, which was used to expand the facilities and improve the existing building.

The Museum is located within a designated Heritage Conservation Area in the village of Fort Langley, Township of Langley. Community collecting began in the 1920's with a Native Sons of BC exhibit located in the last remaining Hudson's Bay Company fur trade era structure (circa 1840). A decision by the Canadian Parks Services to actively interpret Fort Langley prompted the provincial and municipal governments to cooperate in the construction of a new museum adjacent to the National Historic Site.

The Township-owned museum opened July 1, 1958 and housed a majority of the Native Sons collection. It was operated by volunteers until 1974 when it was selected by the Federal government as a site for one of 22 National Exhibition Centres across Canada. The physical plant doubled in size, its mandate was extended to include art, history and science traveling exhibitions and the first staff person was hired. Federal NEC operating funding was eliminated in 1994 but the museum has continued to respond to that expanded mandate. In 1991, the Museum became the core facility of the Community and Heritage Services Department, Planning, Development and Stewardship Division, Township of Langley.
Term Source: BCAUL