The Museum houses a collection of early home safes, coins and bank notes from many parts of the world, including the first three lock box used in the Ruthwell Parish Bank.

As well as bank memorabilia and records, the collection traces the life of the Rev Henry Duncan, the 'Father' of Savings Banks, demonstrating his many interests and accomplishments. A quarter-size model of the Ruthwell Cross, which he carved from beeswax, is prominently displayed.

Every item in the museum has been donated, either by members of the Duncan family or by visitors to the museum. The collection is constantly growing and is limited only by space restraints.

In addition to books on the history of savings banks in many countries, on savings bank law and on social and economic history, the museum holds records and ledgers of the Ruthwell Parish Bank and other early savings banks. There is extensive correspondence on the Act for the Protection of Savings Banks in Scotland (1819) as well as letters on some of the many topics which fascinated Henry Duncan, eg;

• Kirk/Patronage/Poor laws
• Society for the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge
• The Peace Society
• Slavery emancipation
• A university for Dumfries
• Social & economic history
• Duncan family correspondence

PLEASE NOTE: Most of the original archive material is currently held by Lloyds Banking Group Archives & Museums in Edinburgh, though some transcriptions are available on site.

• Researchers should visit the Archive's site to arrange access.