In the early morning hours of December 7, 2024, the Overfield Tavern Museum suffered a devasting fire that largely gutted the interior of the museum and did extensive damage to several later additions. Fortunately, the original 1808 log walls largely survived. In October 2025, extensive archaeological investigations were conducted, revealing over 18,500 artifacts. The museum is currently in the planning and research phase and anticipates restoration work to begin in late 2026. Check out the links below for additional coverage and follow our Facebook page for the most up-to-date information.
The Overfield Tavern was recently featured in Preservation Magazine’s Spring 2025 “Places Restored, Threatened, Saved, and Lost” section. Check it out here.
“Troy’s oldest structure heavily damaged in Saturday morning fire,” Dayton Daily News, December 7, 2024
“Future of Ohio’s oldest log tavern uncertain after fire,” WHIOTV, December 10, 2024
“Overfield Tavern Museum shares an update on restoration progress after December 7th fire,” Dayton 24/7 Now, January 19, 2025
“Crews make discovery while restoring Troy’s oldest building,” 2 News, March 11, 2025
“Troy historic museum fire ruled ‘accidental’: Investigators,” 2 News, March 19, 2025
“Fire at Troy’s historic Overfield Tavern Museum ruled accidental; work continues,” Dayton Daily News, March 19, 2025
“‘You cannot replace that;’ Ohio’s oldest log tavern goes up in flames; cause now determined,” WHIOTV, March 19, 2025
“Overfield Tavern Museum fire ruled accidental,” Miami Valley Today, March 20, 2025
“Overfield Tavern Museum invites public to view restoration,” WDTN.com, October 6, 2025
“Thousands of historical artifacts found under Overfield Tavern in Troy,” WHIOTV, October 13, 2025
“Rare 19th-century coins found after fire at historic tavern,” Popular Science, October 20, 2025
“Devastating fire leads to treasure trove of thousands of artifacts beneath historic tavern,” Fox News, October 31, 2025