Dayton, Ohio – The City of Dayton has announced the successful completion of a major archaeological investigation at the Lichliter Village site, a culturally significant location listed on the National Historic Register. The study, approved by the City Commission in November 2022, officially began in 2023 and concluded just last week with the transfer of nine boxes of cultural artifacts to the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery for permanent archival storage.
Originally identified in the late 1960s, the Lichliter Village site is known for its deep historical roots. The recent investigation provided new insights into the region’s past, with findings that included charcoal fragments, animal bones, and other small cultural artifacts. Notably, there was no discovery of Native American ancestral remains during the excavation. In addition to prehistoric findings, researchers uncovered remnants of a 19th-century dairy farm that had largely been forgotten over time.
The results of the investigation indicate that the 126-acre property is generally suitable for future development, except for the specific area encompassing the precontact village, which will remain protected. The findings were reviewed and approved by the State Historic Preservation Office.
“This study is an important milestone in honoring our region’s history and the people that came before us, as well as creating a pathway for future development benefitting the community,” said City Manager Shelley Dickstein.
The project was a collaborative effort involving multiple partners, including the Dayton Society of Natural History (which manages the Boonshoft Museum), Ohio History Connection, Ohio Valley Archaeology, Inc., and the Dayton-Montgomery County Port Authority. All work was conducted in line with federal guidelines under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. This included consultation with federally recognized Native American tribal representatives and local Native American leaders to ensure culturally sensitive handling of the site and its materials.
Looking ahead, the City of Dayton plans to work closely with the neighboring City of Trotwood to identify future uses for the land that balance development goals with the importance of preserving the site’s historical legacy. City officials have reiterated their long-term commitment to safeguarding the Lichliter Village site for future generations.
The City has also issued a public request asking residents to respect the privacy of the landowners who generously allowed the investigation to proceed on their property.
