The Sanford Museum houses exhibits illustrating the history of the City of Sanford and the life and times of City founder Henry S. Sanford.

Built as a memorial to Henry Shelton Sanford, the museum houses his library and manuscript collection as well as a collection of 19th century decorative arts which belonged to the Sanford family. Henry S. Sanford, 1823-1891, was a lawyer, diplomat, and innovator in the production of citrus. His papers reflect his entire career and contain information on diplomatic matters and business during the Victorian age. His library contains books and magazines in seven languages which cover law, politics, religion, science, and popular fiction.

Expanded in 1973 and in 1993, the museum serves as a repository for the city's history. Research collections are available to the public.