Founded in 1939, the Royal Oak Historical Society is a private, non-governmental organization of volunteers. We collect, display and preserve information and objects of Royal Oak’s past for current and future generations. Throughout the year we present various special exhibits and provide a venue for other groups and individuals to display their collections.
The society was organized in 1939 by nine women and one man, according to information compiled by local historian Owen Perkins, for his book, "Royal Oak, Michigan, The Early Years," published in 1971.
The founders were civic activists, representing such organizations as the Library; Ezra Parker Chapter of the Daughter of the American Revolution; Chamber of Commerce; American Association of University Women; Royal Oak Woman's Club; and the Royal Oak Memorial Society. Members of most of those same organizations remain active in the society