Marsden was one of the first women to be made a fellow of the Royal Geographical Society after she travelled thousands of miles across Russia to Siberia in 1891.

Marsden is credited as the person who inspired the museum's creation as she organised meetings to gather local support.

The natural history collection was not well preserved as the temperature and light levels were difficult to control and the basement was liable to flood.

The lighting and heating were brought under better control and temporary exhibition space and a store were established in the previous toilet blocks.

Over the next ten years the relationship with Rother District Council led to a curator being transferred to the museum.