The Ohio History Connection has a goal to increase public awareness of the Revolutionary War in the Ohio Country, and Fort Laurens in particular. Fort Laurens is the lone Revolutionary War fortification in the state and provides an important place in the early history of Ohio. As part of the America 250 celebration, the Ohio History Connection is beginning improvement projects at the fort. These include a renovation of the on-site museum, tomb of the Unknown Revolutionary War Soldier, and a multi-year public archaeology project from 2025-2028 that will develop the knowledge base needed to inform an accurate partial reconstruction of the fort by 2028, the 250th anniversary of its original construction. This work is a part of the major projects included in the Ohio History Connection’s strategic plan.
In short, public archaeology is exploring the past with the community, not just on their behalf. Archaeological sites belong to everyone, and public archaeology is an opportunity to understand firsthand how we learn about the past.
Rather than working behind the fence and sharing technical reports alone, public archaeology gives members of the community the chance to be part of the process. The public archaeology at Fort Laurens allows visitors to take part in the excavation, but that’s only one way to be involved. The Fort Laurens project provides educational outreach and tours to school groups, public presentations of our research to date (check your local library’s presentation schedule, or ask your librarian to schedule a presentation), and online updates that share what we are finding and what it means.
Public archaeology turns history into something tangible. Watching an artifact emerge from the ground, learning how archaeologists interpret evidence, or seeing how even small finds fit into a larger story creates a personal link to our past. It also builds stewardship. When people understand why a place matters and how easily it can be damaged or lost, they are more likely to protect it. Public archaeology replaces mystery and distance with knowledge and shared responsibility. Just as importantly, it broadens the stories we tell. Archaeology often reveals the lives of people who left few written records: soldiers, laborers, families, Native communities, and others whose experiences shaped history but were rarely documented. Public archaeology invites communities and descendant groups to help guide interpretation and ask new questions.
Many archaeological projects are supported by public funding, which brings a responsibility to share results openly and accessibly. But beyond that, people increasingly want to understand not just what we know about the past, but how we know it. Public archaeology shows the process of discovery, emerging evidence, and sometimes the uncertainties this creates. It encourages curiosity and creates a dialogue between archaeologists and the public, making archaeology a living conversation rather than a finished story.
At its best, public archaeology connects research teams with community stakeholders, community memory to shared memories and care for place. It ensures that the past is not only studied, but understood, shared, and protected for future generations.
Public archaeology works best when you’re a part of it. There are many ways to take part in this project like visiting the site, helping with excavations, attending public presentations or just following along as new discoveries are made. Even simply staying informed and sharing what you learn helps support the preservation of this unique archaeological site.
By getting involved, you help ensure that the past is understood and cared for by the community it belongs to.
Ready to roll up your sleeves and get dirty for a good cause? Let’s uncover history together—one stratum at a time!
You're invited to the Public Archaeology Day series at Fort Laurens, Ohio’s Revolutionary War fort, for a day of discovery and hands-on historical adventure. This is a unique opportunity to form a connection with our nation’s birth, right here in Ohio. You could be the first person to touch an artifact in hundreds of years!
Whether you're a history buff, or just looking for a unique day out, there's something for everyone:
Upcoming Public Archaeology dates to be announced soon, please check back for updates
This event is completely weather dependent. Check the Fort Laurens Facebook page for information on the day of the event if the weather looks iffy. Inclement weather includes thunderstorms, rain and high temperatures.
There is not any food or water available for purchase at the fort. We suggest you bring your own or explore the convenient shops and great restaurants of nearby Bolivar.
We ask that children under the age of 16 be accompanied by an adult.
You’re welcome to stay as long as you like, we hope you enjoy the site. However, due to the limited number of screening stations, please give everyone a chance by limiting your participation on the screens to 1 hour (if there are more people waiting).
Presentations on the 2025 excavation results will be held in the Fort Laurens museum twice a day during operating hours.
Fort Laurens is among our state’s most important archaeological sites. All artifacts recovered are the property of the State of Ohio and will be cared for by trained professionals at the Ohio History Center.