The Mersea Island Museum conserves and displays material relating to local history and wildlife, with particular reference to the maritime heritage of the area, the latter by means of photographs,model boats and equipment used in fishing and boatbuilding.

The weatherboarded fisherman's cottage presents kitchen and laundry facilities typical for Mersea families at the beginning of the last century.

Prehistoric material includes a Roman amphora recovered from the sea and a small display on the Mersea Barrow.

Natural history displays include seashore birds, woodland birds and animals, butterflies, shells, human and animal bones, fossils and minerals.

A continuous slideshow of historic local photographs (with audio commentary) runs for 75 minutes.

Special exhibitions for 2006 focus on the island's fire and lifeboat services and on the local casualties at the battle of the Somme in 1916.

The 'Kid's Cabin' is set aside as a children's play and discovery area.

Items available at the shop include both contemporary and reproduction historic postcards, books, maps, souvenirs, novelties and sweets.

The museum is housed in a purpose built structure with an attractive garden setting in the centre of the village. All public areas are situated on the ground floor, with ramped access from outside for wheelchairs. There are also toilet facilities for the disabled.