Dayton: The Early Years

Before Dayton became a center of invention and industry, it was a small frontier settlement on the banks of the Great Miami River. So how did the city we know today actually begin?
Join us at The Dayton Woman’s Club as local historian Andrew Hershner takes us back to Dayton’s founding in 1796 and the people who helped shape its earliest years.
We’ll explore Dayton’s founding fathers, what everyday life looked like for its early residents, and the businesses, industries, and innovations that helped transform the settlement throughout the 19th century and into the dawn of the 20th.
If you’ve ever wondered how Dayton went from a handful of settlers to a city poised to become one of America’s great centers of innovation, this is a fascinating chapter of local history to discover.
📅 Thursday, October 15, 2026
🍽️ Seating/Optional Dinner begins at 5:15 pm
🏛️ Presentation: 6:00–7:30 pm
📍 The Dayton Woman’s Club
💳 Advance registration required
🎟️ $15 per person
🥪 Optional meals for $15 (sandwich, soup, dessert, & drink)
This event is open to the general public. Our venue is fully accessible with a ramp entrance.