The Museum of Antigua and Barbuda is getting a much-needed facelift. The World Monuments Fund and the Historical and Archaeological Society have teamed up to restore the historic building — once home to the old Court House and Legislative Assembly.

Work to preserve Antigua and Barbuda’s history and culture began in April with a detailed assessment of the museum’s immediate restoration needs.

In July, a digital documentation team laser-scanned the building and created 360-degree images to help conservation experts plan the scope of work.

They are now carrying out non-destructive probes to determine the building’s materials — including those used to repair damage from earthquakes in 1843 and 1947.

Board Chairman Walter Berridge hopes talks with the government will speed up the project. He says in the past, other national needs have taken priority — forcing members and supporters of the non-profit to dip into their own pockets for upkeep.

Those funds have covered temporary fixes, like leaky gutters, but water damage, termite infestations and decaying wooden structures remain. The museum falls under the Ministry of Education and already has hundreds of artifacts ready for display once the site is restored.

The public is being asked to donate photos and artifacts that could help tell the story of the museum’s past — as the work to secure its future moves forward.