Midwest
Devastating fire leads to treasure trove of thousands of artifacts beneath historic tavern
Texas archaeologists uncover ancient king’s tomb in Belize
Texas archaeologists Arlen Chase and Diane Chase recently uncovered the 4th-century tomb of Te’ K’ab Chaak, the earliest ruler of Caracol, a major Mayan city in Belize. (Source: Caracol Archaeological Project; University of Houston)
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Archaeologists in Ohio are uncovering hidden pieces of early American history beneath the charred floorboards of a historic tavern.
The excavation is part of recovery efforts at the Overfield Tavern in Troy, about 20 miles north of Dayton.
In recent weeks, excavators from Ohio Valley Archaeology Inc. have been digging beneath the museum, which is the oldest building in the city.
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The structure was built in 1808 and served as a courthouse until 1811, when it was converted to a tavern. It’s been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1976.
A devastating fire in the early hours of Dec. 7, 2024, gutted the interior of the museum, though the original 1808 log walls remained mostly intact, according to the museum’s website.
Archaeologists are uncovering artifacts beneath the floorboards of the historic Overfield Tavern, one of the oldest structures in Troy, Ohio. (@OverfieldTavernMuseum via Facebook)
The fire was later ruled accidental by state fire marshal officials.
As an unexpected silver lining, thousands of historic artifacts have been found in recent months, with the help of both excavators and volunteers.
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Pictures from the site show volunteers sifting through dirt and rocks to recover the artifacts.
Chris Manning, executive director of the Overfield Tavern Museum, told Fox News Digital most of the recovered artifacts date from the early 19th century to the late 20th century.
Officials say an estimated 4,000 artifacts have been recovered since excavation work began beneath the historic museum. (Overfield Tavern Museum via Facebook)
“We did find several prehistoric artifacts that are obviously much older,” said Manning.
“Laboratory analysis currently being conducted will provide more information.”
Manning added, “I would estimate that the number of artifacts recovered is around 4,500, but again, we won’t know until the archaeologists complete their lab analysis.”
Artifacts included an 1817 coin found under the tavern’s floorboards, along with an 1846 coin.
The original 1808 log walls of the tavern survived the 2024 fire, allowing experts to preserve key pieces of the building’s past. (Google Maps)
Manning said excavators found evidence that the small log building attached to the rear of the tavern was constructed later than previously believed.
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“It may have been constructed a few years after the tavern, [and] we previously thought the small log building in the rear was about five years older,” Manning added.
“We also uncovered a substantial limestone foundation in the backyard that extends almost six feet underground. [It] was paved on the bottom with a layer of brick flooring.”
Excavation results will be analyzed in the lab before artifacts are cataloged and prepared for museum display. (Overfield Tavern Museum via Facebook)
She added, “Analysis is still underway, but it may represent an ice house or root cellar that was constructed in the first half of the 19th century.”
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Manning said she plans for the tavern to be fully restored by 2027, when the museum will reopen to the public.
“Select artifacts will be put on display eventually, once the museum is restored,” she said.
The Overfield Tavern restoration effort will offer new insight into Troy’s earliest years as a growing frontier community. (Overfield Tavern Museum via Facebook)
The dig took place during the same autumn months as a similar excavation in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.
Archaeologists and students from Millersville University recently unearthed the likely remains of the county’s oldest tavern, dating back to 1725.
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Detroit, MI
First responders honored after rescuing 12 people from capsized sailboats near Belle Isle
DETROIT – Detroit first responders and several private citizens are being credited with helping rescue a dozen people after multiple sailboats capsized in the Detroit River near Belle Isle during severe weather last week.
The incident occurred shortly after 7:30 p.m. on June 10 as a line of thunderstorms moved through southeast Michigan, bringing strong winds to the area.
According to the Detroit Fire Department, crews were dispatched to Belle Isle near the beach following reports of overturned boats and people in the water.
Firefighters, EMS personnel, Engine 27, and Fireboat 2, known as the Sivad Johnson, responded to the scene.
When crews arrived, they found multiple small sailboats overturned in the river.
Officials said 20 people aboard seven sailboats were involved in the incident.
Twelve people were rescued from the water, while eight others safely returned aboard two boats that remained upright.
Fireboat 2 rescued four people from the water.
The Detroit Police Department Harbormaster rescued two more, while a private boater assisted three people. Another three were brought to safety by a nearby boat club vessel.
The operator of the sailing group said as many as 26 people were on the water before the storm arrived, with six making it back to shore on their own before rescue efforts began.
Despite the dangerous conditions, no serious injuries were reported. Officials said all rescued individuals declined medical treatment.
Authorities praised the coordinated response among firefighters, police officers, boat club members, and private boaters who assisted during the emergency.
“Be aware of your surroundings,” said Detroit Fire Department Fireboat Operator Daniel Familant. “To be honest, we do make a lot of the saves by the private boaters out there that are fishing or just having a good time, and people were out there screaming, ‘Help, help,’ and there they go, so everyone helps out. It’s an all-hands effort.”
Emergency crews remained on scene until everyone involved was accounted for.
Officials noted that one member of the Fireboat 2 crew was serving on the vessel for the first time during the rescue operation.
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MILWAUKEE — An Oak Creek couple’s stolen car has been found after a viewer who saw a report on the theft spotted it near a south side Milwaukee apartment complex.
Melinna Posey said the ordeal began when her car was stolen and she turned to social media for help. A person who responded claimed to have the vehicle and demanded money for its return. The person messaging even taunted her, discarding some of the items inside the car.
Personal items were inside the vehicle, including the family’s car seat, stroller, cameras and photos.
“It’s been very stressful, especially for him. It’s his vehicle, it’s in his name,” Posey said.
Watch: Stolen Oak Creek couple’s car found by viewer dumped near Milwaukee apartment complex
Stolen Oak Creek couple’s car found by viewer dumped near Milwaukee apartment complex
I spoke to Posey on Tuesday. Since then, she and Tyler Dusenberry had been searching for the car. On Thursday, the couple received a message from someone who saw the story on TMJ4. That person found the car at a south side Milwaukee apartment complex and shared pictures of the red Dodge Durango SRT between trees and a building, covered in tarps.
“I didn’t believe the text message at first today, and then he sent pictures of the car, and I was like, thank the lord, I was like thank you so much,” Posey said.
“It’s a roller coaster that’s what it’s been,” Dusenberry said.
Brendyn Jones/TMJ4
Oak Creek Police picked up the car and are processing it for evidence. The family has not yet been able to see the inside of the vehicle or what, if anything, was left behind.
The family said they are grateful to everyone who helped them this week, but said the entire experience will be tough to get over.
“It’s just unfortunate that this all happened, and we had a lot of memories and trips within that vehicle so it’s just a little life-changing to be honest,” Dusenberry said.
This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
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