The Warren County Courthouse is turning 150 years old, and the county is throwing a free birthday party open to everyone. Wednesday, September 9th at 6:00 PM, the main courtroom will host an evening of history, architecture, and local storytelling. The Warren County Historical Society and county government have teamed up to showcase the building’s past, including some chapters that might surprise you.

Perhaps the most dramatic story involves Judge Allison D. Wade, who was murdered inside the courthouse back in 1954. That’s not ancient history, and according to organizers, bullet holes from the incident are still visible in the building. The event will also cover the 1999 exterior renovation, when workers replaced the statue on top of the courthouse with a replica. The original statue now lives inside the building, giving attendees a rare chance to see it up close instead of squinting at the roofline.

Grant writer Josh Cotton says the goal is to simply open the courthouse to anyone curious about its history. Commissioner Dan Glotz adds that it’s a chance to show off all the preservation work done inside and out over the years. Whether you’re a longtime resident or new to the area, this is a free, family-friendly way to connect with a landmark you probably pass all the time. Have you ever toured the Warren County Courthouse, or is there another historic building in the area you’d love to explore? Let us know in the comments.