In 1996, the Overfield Tavern Museum underwent
extensive renovation to restore it to its early nineteenth century time period.
Discovered during extensive archaeological and architectural research were the original hearth stones, bricks, and the exact location of the corner fireplaces and bake oven. Also found were fragments of baseboard, wood lath, and pieces of a cage bar. Scrapings of existing woodwork confirmed architectural details and colors. The fireplaces, as well as the interior walls, plaster, staircases, and woodwork have all been restored.
A rare sample of the original exterior siding was found wedged between two walls. It had been encased during one of the buildings previous renovations. This archeological evidence, as well as the type of notching used on the log joints confirmed that the building was originally sided.
The west, north, and east exteriors have been resided with the same style of boards and nails used on the original structure. The front of the building is unsided and was whitewashed for protection. It serves as an example of how many buildings appeared during this period.
The museum is predominately furnished in first-quarter
nineteenth century Ohio antiques. The contents are gifts from the Troy
Historical Society, local individuals and families, as well as purchases made
possible from donations.