The first meeting took place at the Log Cabin on April 1, 1897. The formation of the society was to "collect and preserve everything relating to the history and antiquities of Ohio and especially of the County of Montgomery and City of Dayton and the dissemination of knowledge."

The first president was Judge C. W. Dustin, Vice President was John H. Edgar, Corresponding Secretary was W. A. Phelps, Recording Secretary was James Oliver Arnold, and Treasurer was George W. Rogers. On this page also are the names of the participants at the meeting.

The Newcom Tavern was for many years after its re-constuction a center for community activities; but before long city officials realized the need for more space. In 1805 the County built its first official court house on land donated by Daniel C. Cooper. This was replaced in 1844 by a larger Greek Revival architectural style building. It was in this building since 1963, that the Society headquarters had been housed in the Old Court House. Its facilities there included a museum, a library, archives and a lecture hall.