Decoding Dayton
A backyard conversation between local history enthusiasts led to the creation of a show that ran four seasons, developing a local following, attracting sponsorships from local businesses, and inspiring an award-winning spinoff.
Local History Series Highlights Untold Stories
“Every city, street, and building holds a story waiting to be told and a future waiting to be created.” That’s the gist of a backyard conversation between a former city planner and a community organizer that sparked the creation of Decoding Dayton, a series showcasing the secret histories of familiar landmarks around Dayton.
We partnered with Co-Hosts John Gower, former city planner and architect, and Jason Antonick, community organizer and banker, to create a self-funded pilot season in 2015.
Season 1, featuring three-minute episodes, was released on Facebook in 2016. The episodes had an average watch-time completion rate of 10 percent. The pilot was well received, but fans asked for longer episodes. Seasons 2 through 4, produced and aired between 2017 and 2020, featured 10-minute episodes and were hosted on a private streaming service. Watch-time completion rose to 75 percent.
Early Traction Led to Sponsorship Opportunities
Bringing a new concept to life on a limited budget was a challenge. But as the show gained traction, small businesses saw an opportunity for valuable exposure. Seasons 2 through 4 were funded by individual episode sponsorships. We filmed and produced a 15-second commercial for each sponsor and aired it before their episode at premiere watch parties and on all our online distribution channels.
An Economic Development & Recruitment Resource
The series showcases Dayton’s rich and diverse history that extends beyond the legacy of the Wright brothers and illustrates how that history is shaping a promising future for the region. Local economic development organizations have used the series when meeting with site seekers, and local employers have shared the videos with out-of-town candidates during recruitment efforts.
The success of Decoding Dayton inspired a spin-off series called Decoding Nature, which we produced in collaboration with Five Rivers MetroParks. That series won the National Association of County Park & Recreation Officials Award for marketing.
Decoding Dayton
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The Masonic Temple
Discover the unknown as you take a never-before-seen tour inside the Dayton Masonic Temple. Explore tunnels, special rooms, catwalks, rooftop views and so much more. Learn about who the Freemasons truly are and the role they play in our community
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Woodland Cemetary
Get a personal tour through the historic burial grounds of Woodland Cemetery. We go above and below ground to decode some amazing stories and celebrate their 175+ years.
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Boonshoft Museum of Discovery
Decode over 125 years of rare collectibles that were donated by Daytonians; everything from mastodons to shrunken heads.
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Secrets of Wright Dunbar
We discover an Odd Fellows fraternity lodge and theatre that hasn't been touched in decades. Hear from individuals who share why they chose Wright Dunbar as their neighborhood and the rich history.
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The British Transportation Museum
A true hidden gem of Dayton, The British Transportation Museum holds within it a rare collection. A collection and preservation of vehicles, parts, photographs, memorabilia, books, and much more.
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The Magic of Victoria
Get a golden ticket look into one of the oldest theatres in the nation. Built in 1866 you can feel the magic of Houdini and many others that came to perform.
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Lost Dayton
We meet up with author Andrew Walsh and bring to life some chapters from his book "Lost Dayton." Nothing is truly lost when it's decoded!
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Nexus of Somewhere
What begins on east Third Street and spreads into creative clusters of economic possibility turns into a vision we call "The Nexus of Somewhere." History continues to be unlocked by present-day anchors like Front Street & The Brightside Music and Event Venue.
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St Anne's Hill
Taking ahold of your destiny is why St. Anne's Hill is a thriving community today. It started with a woman who had a vision for what could be and now thousands flock to this neighborhood to live, work and play. Thank you to City of Dayton, Bill Franz and Jason Shea for the imagery and footage to make this story possible.
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Huffman and Beyond
William P. Huffman's vision continues as a thriving neighborhood of homes and businesses in today's Huffman Historic District. Also get a sneak peek into the Davis-Linden building which has been the home to many significant businesses for over 100 years!
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Oregon East
Oregon East, expanding from Oregon District. The newly renovated Dayton Motor Car building & Wheelhouse are just the beginning of a bigger vision of what's to come.
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Stillwater Corridor
The convergence of the Stillwater and Great Miami Rivers brings stories of the past and a vision for the future. Tour the historical Dayton Canoe Club with Clyde Collins and learn about the future of this outdoor corridor from Carrie Scarff of Five Rivers MetroParks.
