Missionary activity played an important role in shaping the history of the region from the early nineteenth century. Among the museum’s significant objects is a reconstructed Ruthven Press, associated with Rev. John Bennie and his pioneering work in printing Xhosa in 1823. The museum also houses Rev. John Appleyard’s Albion Press from Mount Coke, near Qonce, on which the first complete edition of the Xhosa Bible was printed between 1856 and 1859.

Displays include Eastern Cape mission stations such as Lovedale, Healdtown and St Matthew’s, as well as representations of Roman Catholic missionary work, including the Stations of the Cross.