Established through the generous bequest of Marian Powers Wright to the city of Carthage, the Powers Museum is to "house, preserve, and display all of [her] family possessions of value, real or intrinsic, all things of interest historically or otherwise, both old and new, as well as other museum collections, works of art, and objets of a similar nature."

The Powers Museum is a memorial to the parents of Marian Winchester, Dr. Everett Powers and Marian Wright Powers, who were active participants in the economic, social, and cultural development of Carthage. Since its founding, the museum's collection has expanded to include other objects of Carthage history namely the full archive from the Bank of Carthage and items from the Hercules Powder Company.