Cell Block History

Buildings Architectural, Renovation and Repair History

1981 — Historic Recognition
While still operating as the Hill County Jail, the 1893 building received a Texas historical marker and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This recognition established the building’s architectural and historical importance before its conversion to museum use.
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1983–1980s — Conversion from Jail to Museum
After the old jail ceased housing prisoners in 1983, the Hill County Historical Commission acted to preserve the building and convert it into the Hill County Cell Block Museum. The building underwent substantial rehabilitation during the 1980s as spaces designed for incarceration were adapted for exhibits and public use.  Richard Greenhill’s writings describe one of the most significant alterations: the large rear cell-block room originally contained two stories of cells with a catwalk extending around three sides. Much of this cell structure was removed to create usable museum space, while portions near the sheriff’s office, including the solitary confinement cell, were preserved.
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1980s–2000s — Continuing Room and Exhibit Restoration
Over the following decades, volunteers, local families, donors and historical organizations continued restoring rooms, developing exhibits and maintaining the historic property. Individual spaces were sometimes restored through private support; Catherine Andrews, for example, funded restoration of a museum room associated with her family and Hillsboro’s historic Andrews Café.
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2009–2010 — Major Foundation Stabilization
Settlement became a significant structural concern. Hill County undertook foundation work on the northeast corner of the museum, raising and stabilizing that portion of the building. 
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2016 — Model T Exhibit Building Approved
Hill County Commissioners approved construction of a separate facility on the museum grounds to house the museum’s donated 1915 Model T Ford, subject to approval by the Hill County Historical Commission. The 1915 Ford Model T displayed on the Hill County Cell Block Museum grounds was donated by the family of longtime Hill County educator and civic leader Billy Tom McKown of Abbott. 
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2020–2022 — Closure and Renewed Preservation Effort
The museum ceased routine public operations in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. After a two-year hiatus, a newly organized board reconvened in 2022 with the goal of repairing and reopening the historic building.
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As planning progressed, foundation settlement and structural movement emerged as significant concerns. Hill County officials noted that the south side of the building required stabilization and, in September 2022, commissioned historic-preservation firm ARCHITEXAS to conduct a professional assessment of the structure, review code concerns, and identify prioritized long-term repairs. This marked the beginning of a major new preservation effort for the 1893 jail.
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September 2022 — Professional Structural Assessment Authorized
Hill County Commissioners approved a professional study by historic-preservation firm ARCHITEXAS. The work included evaluation of the existing structure, building-code issues and prioritized long-term repair needs. ARCHITEXAS and consulting specialists subsequently performed a conditions assessment and developed stabilization and future-use recommendations with the museum board.  More info from Architexas can be found at this link. 
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2023 — Stabilization and Rehabilitation Planning
By 2023, the museum board and consultants were developing a reopening plan and preparing for substantial rehabilitation. Foundation settlement along the south side had become a principal concern, and the board began planning a capital campaign for repairs and improvements.
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December 2023–February 2024 — Major Foundation Project Bid
Hill County formally solicited proposals for structural foundation repairs. The proposed work included reinforcement and leveling of the foundation with helical piers or comparable technology and pressure grouting to fill voids and reduce future settlement. In February 2024, Commissioners reviewed proposals for foundation repair, and approved the contractor accessing the original foundation by tunneling beneath the building rather than cutting through historic interior floors.
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2024 — Foundation Stabilization Completed
Du-West performed the stabilization project. The contractor reports excavating approximately eight feet below the exterior to reach the base of the original spread footing, then supporting and lifting the historic structure back into position.
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2024–2025 — Comprehensive Repair and Rehabilitation Campaign
Following structural stabilization, extensive work continued throughout the museum.
Documented improvements included:
Foundation repair and stabilization
Interior repairs and painting
Exterior mortar repairs
Exterior painting
Electrical-system upgrades
Reorganization and rehabilitation of exhibit areas
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The related historic Cumberland Presbyterian Church on the museum grounds also received foundation repairs, painting and a new roof during this period.
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June 14, 2025 — Museum Reopens
After approximately three years of concentrated renovation and restoration work, the Hill County Cell Block Museum officially reopened to the public with a ribbon cutting on June 14, 2025. Museum leaders credited Hill County, board members, volunteers, donors and community supporters with completing the extensive rehabilitation effort.

2025–Present — Continuing Preservation and Exhibit Renewal
The 2025 reopening was not considered the end of the preservation process. Museum leadership stated that additional improvements would continue. Exhibit spaces have subsequently been reorganized and reopened as work progresses, while preservation of the 1893 jail building and Cumberland Church continues as an ongoing responsibility.