Ancient Artifacts in Ashland County: A Conversation with Jim Bennett
What would you do if you discovered something in a field that had been lying there for hundreds, maybe thousands, of years? For one Ashland County man, finding a small arrowhead while deer hunting sparked a fascination that would eventually change his career and his life. And it’s brought a unique gem to Ashland County.
On this episode of the Ashland Connected Podcast, host Amy Daubenspeck, President of Ashland Area Chamber of Commerce welcomes Jim Bennett, founder and operations manager of Premiere Auctions Group. Jim shares how a simple discovery led him to study ancient artifacts, write books, and eventually build a nationally recognized auction business right here in Ashland, Ohio.
Along the way, you'll discover just how far back Ohio's history reaches, why many so-called arrowheads weren't actually used on arrows, and how experts distinguish genuine ancient artifacts from modern reproductions. Jim also shares stories about collectors who travel across the country and even internationally to attend auctions in Ashland.
Takeaways
— One Arrowhead Changed Everything. A chance discovery in a Nankin cornfield inspired Jim Bennett to pursue a lifelong passion for ancient artifacts.
— Ohio's History Goes Back Thousands of Years. Ancient artifacts found in Ashland and surrounding counties connect our region to people who lived here long before recorded history.
— A Passion Became a Business. Jim's journey from collecting arrowheads and building display cases to writing books and conducting auctions eventually led to Premier Auctions Group.
— Authenticity Matters. Modern reproductions can be difficult to distinguish from genuine artifacts, making careful examination and experience essential.
— Ashland Attracts Collectors From Around the World. Premier Auctions Group brings visitors from across the United States and beyond to its monthly gallery auctions.
— Not Every Arrowhead Was an Arrowhead. Many ancient stone points were actually used as knives or with an atlatl, a spear-throwing weapon that predates the bow and arrow.
— You Can Bring Your Artifacts to Premier. Jim welcomes visitors to bring their arrowheads and other artifacts to the Ashland facility for free identification and information.
Helpful Links:
Jim Bennett, Founder/Operations Manager, Premiere Auctions Group: https://www.premiereauctionsgroup.com/
Amy Daubenspeck, President, Ashland Area Chamber of Commerce: https://ashlandoh.com/
The Ashland Connected Podcast is sponsored by the Bill Harris Dealerships in Ashland, your distinctively different dealer, and the Chevy Network
