A piece a history that has been shut down is at the center of Monday's Ask 13.

“What's happened to the Smith-McDowell House Museum? It is closed and severely renovated inside,” News 13 viewer D Holcombe said.

The mansion, built in the 1840s, has been renovated multiple times, with the last one being in the 1970s, when it became a museum.

When the museum was closed during the COVID-19 pandemic, a new roof was put on, which led the way for many other necessary updates.

"For many years, we’ve had water leaks, water damage from the roof that had been there since the 19-teens, as well as plaster damage, which is not ideal for a museum that’s preserving a lot of artifacts,” WNC Historical Association executive director Anne Chesky Smith said.

Other renovations in the face lift included exterior and interior painting, a new HVAC system with climate and humidity control, public restrooms and new cabinets in the kitchen.

The project is being funded by the estate of a descendant of the Smith-McDowell family. The hope is for the Smith-McDowell House Museum to reopen this spring.

If you have a question you would like answered, write to ask13@wlos.com.