The Overfield Tavern Museum

09/02/2026

https://conta.cc/4zMBxDn

Email from The Troy Historical Society September Newsletter Sept 2026 - In this Issue Stepping into Cold War History at the Troy-Hayner Cultural Center Annex  A Pictorial History of the Eldean Bridge

08/18/2026

For more than two centuries, the Overfield Tavern has stood as a witness to the story of Troy. Built in 1808, it is Ohio's oldest log tavern listed on the National Register of Historic Places and served as the young frontier community's original gathering place. In its earliest years, the tavern welcomed travelers, hosted neighbors, and even housed the Miami County courthouse while the community established itself. Today, it remains just a few blocks from Troy's Public Square, exactly where it was built more than 218 years ago.
The Overfield Tavern has survived industrialization, termites, the Great Flood of 1913, and countless changes to the surrounding community. Most recently, the building endured a devastating fire in December 2024 that destroyed irreplaceable Miami County collections. Remarkably, the hand-hewn log tavern and the adjoining 1815 Overfield family home survived, preserving the heart of this extraordinary landmark.
The Overfield Tavern has long been woven into the fabric of community life. Restored in 1948 by the Hobart family, it once again became a beloved destination, serving as a museum, a preschool, and the home of the popular Yuletide Dinners that brought hundreds of people together each holiday season. Following the fire, archaeological discoveries uncovered new pieces of the Overfield family's story, while a recent $275,000 state capital appropriation has put the tavern on the path toward restoration and an anticipated reopening in 2028.
As a Legacy 250 building, the Overfield Tavern reminds us that historic places are more than buildings. They are keepers of our shared memories, connecting generations through the stories they hold and the communities they continue to inspire. Does your hometown have a building with a story worth preserving? We encourage you to nominate it for Heritage Ohio's 250 Buildings, 250 Stories initiative and help us celebrate the places that define Ohio's communities. www.heritageohio.org/250-buildings-250-stories

08/13/2026

We're looking for bundles of dried herbs for educational programming!

🌿 Dried Herbs Wanted! 🌿

The Troy Historical Society is looking for donations of dried whole-plant herbs for our hands-on living-history activities at Fall Farm Fest.

We'll be having an herbal sachet station where children can choose from a variety of dried herbs to make their own sachets. We'd also like to display bundles of whole dried plants so children can see what herbs look like before they're prepared for use.

We're especially interested in:
• Mint
• Lavender
• Sage
• Yarrow
• Lemon balm
• Chamomile
• Rosemary
• Thyme
• Oregano
• Bee balm
• Other useful or medicinal herbs

We're looking for whole-plant bundles with stems and leaves intact when possible. They don't need to be perfect—we'll be using them primarily as educational displays.

Please note: We can only accept herbs that have not been treated with pesticides, herbicides, or other chemical treatments.

If you have some dried herbs you'd be willing to donate, please send me a message. Local pickup can be arranged.

Thank you for helping us bring history to life for the children and families in Miami County!

08/03/2026

https://conta.cc/4yWJplq

Email from The Troy Historical Society August Newsletter August 2026 - In this Issue Some Musical Notes About Old Miami County Musicians  The Troy Historical Society Receives $275,000 State Investmen

07/24/2026

Submitted by M. Chris Manning

07/11/2026

We were honored this week to accept formal recognition from the State of Ohio, under the sponsorship of state Rep. Johnathan Newman (House District 80), acknowledging 60 years of the Overfield Tavern Museum preserving and sharing the stories of Troy's frontier past.

We would also like to thank both Rep. Newman and State Senator Steve Huffman for their support of a $275,000 appropriation in the State of Ohio's latest capital improvements budget. The appropriation will help with the restoration of the museum following a severe fire in December 2024. Restoration is expected to begin in late 2027 or early 2028.

Pictured (r-l) are Rep. Newman; M. Chris Manning, executive director of The Troy Historical Society, which operates the Overfield Tavern; and Ben Sutherly, TTHS board president.

07/03/2026

https://conta.cc/4vK0tch

Email from The Troy Historical Society July Newsletter July 2026 - In this Issue The Forgotten Name of Troy's Public Square Water Fountain America-250 Celebration at the Miami County Courthouse  Miam

06/20/2026

Come out to McKaig and Race Park to see us!

06/10/2026

Looking for something to do to celebrate America 250? Come out on July 8 for a live reading of the Declaration of Independence, just as it was read on July 8, 1776. There will also be a ribbon cutting for a new exhibit in the courthouse that The Troy Historical Society helped develop as well as tours of the courthouse, live music, food trucks, and more!

Did you know the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence took place on July 8, 1776?

In honor of this pivotal moment in America's history, join us on July 8, 2026 at 5pm for our own public reading of the Declaration on the courthouse plaza. This is a free community event recognizing the document that helped shape our nation.

06/06/2026

While you're out at the Troy Strawberry Festival this weekend, be sure to stop by The Troy Historical Society's booth on West Main Street in front of the historic Odd Fellows building. There, you'll see some awesome treasures from Troy's past, including this great buggy made by the Troy Buggy Works Co.!