Old Central officially became the Oklahoma Museum for Higher Education under the direction of the Oklahoma Historical Society, which used early day photos like the one pictured to begin restoring classrooms. At the same time, a restoration project on the exterior of the building was begun, and wasn't completed until 1989 when a metal shingle roof was installed, imitating the original roof on the building.
Old Central was leased by the Oklahoma Historical Society in July 1971 and was also added to the National Register of Historic Places that same year. Following another extensive renovation in 2009, it now houses the Honors College and students again attend classes there (pictured in series).