This museum was opened in September 2001 thanks to an initiative by the Cultural Association of Friends of the History of Puerto de Vega (Navia). It was created as homage to marine and peasant life and to the phenomenon of emigration. It recreates the traditional ways of life, the crafts and trades, and takes a look at the historic significance of the fish canning industry to Puerto de Vega and to other seafaring towns and villages.
The adjoining building is home to the Museum of Sea Stories which serves as a complement to the Juan Pérez Villamil Ethnographic Museum.