Newcom Tavern Preservation Project begins!

Newcom Tavern has been a Dayton landmark through three centuries, countless uses, and different locations. After having served as a home, courthouse, post office, general store and museum, Newcom Tavern is about to undergo a preservation effort that will return the structure to its early nineteenth-century appearance and protect it for the long term. Dayton History would like to acknowledge the generous support of the Iddings Foundation and it's lead gift toward the project. 

During this major conservation project, Dayton History intends to protect Newcom Tavern for future generations to enjoy while celebrating the past uses of the structure through new exhibits and interpretation efforts. The newly preserved building will have a variety of stories told within its walls, all taken from the history of the building. The first floor room to the right of the entry way will become a multi-media exhibit gallery that will explore the evolution of Newcom tavern from its construction to the present day. The remainder of the first floor will not be changed greatly from how it presently appears. The space, where the hearth is located, will be interpreted as the 1896 Centennial restoration undertaken by the Log Cabin Committee.

Public programming and material preparation for the conservation of Newcom Tavern will begin May 1st, on the 43rd anniversary of its dedication in Carillon Park. Costumed interpreters will work with our daily guests, school groups, and summer camps to provide a unique hands-on opportunity hewing, sawing, and crafting the very timbers that will stabilize the tavern for centuries to come. This type of initiative serves our commitment to historic preservation while also providing double value as an educational program.