Turpin Excavation Site: Learn More about Summer Project, Historic Connections

An archeological dig on a former Turpin family homestead continues this summer, with two upcoming events slated to share details about the project and its archeological finds. 

Conducted along Ohio 32, the volunteers with the Miami Valley Recollecting and Reconnecting project spent several weeks last summer revisiting and reexamining earlier excavations. Observers were invited to stop by the site and watch as workers unearthed clues to past inhabitants and their culture. 

From 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Feb. 19, a presentation at Anderson Center, 7850 Five Mile Road, is scheduled to detail findings from last year’s excavation and plans for the 2022 dig. A March 5 event also at the center will be a day-long experience. Professional archaeologists will be available at the March event to help identify artifacts. Historians also will be collecting stories of memories about the Turpin site.  Call 513.688.8444 to reserve a time slot to bring any artifacts collected. 

The ongoing project, supported by Anderson Township, will facilitate the reestablishment of ancestral connections to the land and use immersive technologies to help bring the ancient past back to life, according to Dr. Rob Cook of The Ohio State University. 

Excavation of a historic foundation that once supported a structure built by the original Turpin family was started during last year’s unearthing.  This structure was used as a barn and corn crib in the 20th century. Future digs will reveal if this was the original use. 

American Indian descendants of the people who once lived in the Little Miami Valley worked on the site each week last year and will be involved in future projects. 

Anderson Township is an active participant in the project, providing office space and other assistance. This summer’s plan includes starting the excavation in May, according to Administrator Vicky Earhart. 

For current information, check out the ‘Miami Valley Recollections and Reconnections’ page on Facebook.