Uncovering 187 Years of Cincinnati History

Archaeologists and historians from Ohio History Connection are continuing research at the Harriet Beecher Stowe House historic site in Walnut Hills. Through archaeological digs, ground scanning, paint analysis, and other techniques, they are compiling information about changes made to the house and grounds over the last 187 years. Executive Director Christina Hartlieb says, "Through this site investigation process, we are uncovering information that will help us get a fuller picture of what life was like for people who lived in this house from the 1830s all the way into the 1940s. These stories will help determine the scope of the restoration project as it's developing."

Ground scanning equipment used to identify areas for further excavation

OHC archaeologists examining samples

The house was originally constructed as the president's home on the campus of the Lane Theological Seminary. Its first resident, Rev. Lyman Beecher arrived with his family in Cincinnati in 1832, including his 21-year-old daughter Harriet who would go on to write the world-famous novel Uncle Tom's Cabin, published in 1852.

Preservation of the Harriet Beecher Stowe House is being supported in part by the Ohio History Connection, the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), funded by the Department of the Interior, National Park Service. Additional support is provided from capital appropriations by the Ohio General Assembly as administered through the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission. The house is managed by the nonprofit Friends of Harriet Beecher Stowe House.

Paint analysis on front porch

Drywall section removed to enable dating and paint analysis of original walls

Exterior paint analysis