TROY – Three nonprofits who share a mission of education around Troy’s history, and whose

own pasts are tightly intertwined, have signed a letter of intent to merge.

As part of the merger, two neighboring museums at Water and Mulberry streets in 

downtown Troy – the Overfield Tavern Museum and the Museum of Troy History – will merge 

into, and continue to operate as part of, The Troy Historical Society.

“The Troy Historical Society celebrated its 60th anniversary this year,” said Judy Deeter, 

president of The Troy Historical Society. “Joining with two other established, respected 

nonprofits helps to position all of our organizations for a stronger future in educating the 

community about their local history.”

Once the merger takes effect – likely in early 2026 – the boards of the three nonprofits will 

combine and elect new officers. M. Chris Manning, currently executive director of the 

Overfield Tavern Museum, will become executive director of The Troy Historical Society. The 

combined organization will continue to:

• operate the two museums under their current names;

• partner and share space in the Hobart Center for County Government, 510 W. Water 

St., with the Local History and Genealogy Center, which is operated by the TroyMiami County Public Library.

In addition to its focus on research and genealogy, The Troy Historical Society’s collection 

will continue to support both museums in telling complementary chapters of Troy’s history. 

The Overfield Tavern Museum, Ohio’s oldest log tavern listed on the National Register of 

Historic Places, focuses on the history of Troy and Miami County prior to the arrival of the 

Miami & Erie Canal in 1837, as well as the story of tavern keeper Benjamin Overfield, who

operated the tavern from 1808 to 1824. The Museum of Troy History shares the social, 

industrial, and governmental history of Troy from the mid-19th through the mid-20th century.

The Troy Historical Society formed in 1965. It began operating the newly opened Overfield 

Tavern Museum the following year. The Museum of Troy History developed as an offshoot of 

the historical society in 1985, operating a museum out of the former home of the Civic 

League of Troy.

Leaders of the two museums began discussing a merger prior to a devastating fire in 

December 2024 at the Overfield Tavern Museum. They subsequently agreed that the 

disaster should not derail their dialogue about coming together. The Troy Historical Society 

then joined the two museums in exploring a shared future together.

“Our organizations work so well together, and it became more and more apparent that 

there was no good reason not to merge,” said Doug Tremblay, president of the Museum of 

Troy History. “This really serves the best interests of all three nonprofits, as well as the 

broader Troy community.”

“This merger strengthens how we share Troy and Miami County’s history and how we can 

partner with other organizations in the community in telling that story,” said Ben Sutherly, 

president of the Overfield Tavern Museum board. “It also helps us to think more holistically 

about how we can fulfill our missions as we plan the Overfield Tavern’s recovery.”

Memberships for 2026 already purchased through any one of the three organizations will be 

honored by all three. Annual memberships for the combined Troy Historical Society for the 

year 2026 will be:

• Student/research associate: $15

• Individual: $35

• Family: $50

• Supporting: $100

• Benefactor/legacy membership: $1,000

• 1808 Society membership: $2,500

Memberships can be purchased via overfieldtavernmuseum.com, or checks payable to the 

Troy Historical Society can be mailed in care of the Museum of Troy History, 124 E. Water 

St., Troy, OH 45373