The museum aims to illustrate and interpret the social history of Cambridge and the County through its collections and other resources for the education and enjoyment of all.

The Folk Museum is the only museum in Cambridge devoted to the history of the City and its people. The museum benefits the community by providing a resource for the people of Cambridge, which explores and interprets the growth of the City and its surroundings through exhibitions, events and educational workshops for all.

The museum reaches over 16,000 people each year whose feedback rates the museum as excellent. School workshops provided by the museum are also rated as excellent and the museum continues to reach out to over 4000 local school children each year. Work with the elderly through reminiscence work is also well appreciated with those taking part gaining a sense of inclusion within the life of the City.