In 2015, Weller & Associates, Inc. worked with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Abandoned Mine Land Program and the federal Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement to produce a historical documentary video. The Dessecker Mine in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, was operated by twin brothers Marion and Milton Dessecker from the 1940s into the 1970s.

The Abandoned Mine

Originally a strip mine, the brothers later transitioned into drift mining on the property that they owned. Together, the brothers created a fully operational mine complex, most of which still stands. The abandoned mine has now become a hazard as unauthorized visitation has increased over the years. The Ohio Abandoned Mine Land Program plans to reclaim the site and make the area safe for the public.

Eligible For National Register Of Historic Places.

Following the review of the project by the Ohio State Historic Preservation Office, the mine complex was determined to be eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. Based on this determination, some form of mitigation was necessary. Creative mitigation was used in this case by producing a documentary video that preserves the story and images of the Dessecker Mine Complex for the enjoyment and education of future generations. Weller personnel were responsible for the archival research, narrative development, and general direction of the video production. A copy of the video, titled Ohio’s Hidden Mine is available on YouTube and other media sources.