SMETHPORT – After closing its doors for several weeks of renovations, the McKean County Historical Society will reopen its Old Jail Museum, hosting a grand re-opening from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday.

A dedicated volunteer force of about 10 people have been painting, hanging wallpaper and building ramps. They undertook two major projects during this time – restoration of the sheriff’s apartment and the Prospect Hill Fire Tower. In addition to creating a new sign, they have updated and rearranged almost every display.

“We are exhausted and excited for people to see what we’ve done,” said Lu Vandermark, museum director. “These projects have been a long time coming.”

The sheriff’s apartment once housed the local sheriff and his family, back when the museum was a working county jail. The Prospect Hill Fire Tower was acquired by the society after it was taken down following 49 years of service. It is now one of the only restored handicapped-accessible fire towers in the country.

“We’ve gotten a lot accomplished during this short amount of time we’ve been closed,” said Vandermark. “People have put their hearts and souls into this — it was a labor of love.”

The grand opening will feature a ribbon cutting and refreshments.

“We have our fingers and toes crossed for good weather,” said Vandermark.