During the mid-1960's the original two-story district courtroom was replaced by two floors of offices. Exterior brick walls were sandblasted, removing the water sealant. The roof and dome developed leaks and were patched. Old wiring was not updated, creating a fire hazard. Windows decayed and exterior limestone window trim began to flake off, a process called "spalling." Plaster began to crack and fall. Flaking lead paint and buckling asbestos tile flooring made the structure a human hazard.

Rotten window surround in courthouse. Preservation Council

Rusted plumbing will be replaced. Preservation Council

County maintenance funds for the old building have been inadequate to fully upgrade infrastructure systems, or to improve exterior and interior access facilities to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. After the County moved into a new courthouse in 1964, routine maintenance funds failed to keep up with the increasing needs of the aging structure.

By the early 1990's, the old courthouse did not comply with any major modern public health, access, and safety codes. In 1993, the County joined with other local agencies to launch a plan to restore the old courthouse.

A preservation plan was completed in 1994, and by 1997, the non-profit Courthouse Preservation Council of Harrison County was incorporated to oversee a $10 million capital project and to assist in raising funds to complete the work. In December 1998, the County/City of Marshall Public Health Department vacated its space in the basement and south wing of the old courthouse and moved to modern facilities.

All interior walls contain lead paint, which must be abated. Preservation Council

The museum remained in the deteriorating courthouse until the fall of 2001, when the County officially closed the building due to advancing deterioration and non-compliance with public codes. The museum relocated its operations to the Ginocchio Hotel at the end of North Washington Street. When all repairs are complete, the museum will return to the old courthouse.