Trotwood-Madison HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Making A Home: The Iams Homestead

Chapter 1: In the Beginning
The Trotwood-Madison Historical Society began with a vision to 'Preserve the Past for the Future' at the 1976 Bicentennial Celebration. Requests for information about Trotwood’s History made the founders of the T-M Historical Society realize this data was not readily available. In November 1979 the Trotwood-Madison Historical Society was established.

Chapter 2: Meetings and Storage
Many collections and artifacts were donated and donations continue today. The newly formed organization held meetings at the City Buildings, members’ homes, and the Trotwood United Church of Christ. The collection of memorabilia began to overwhelm the Society and boxes were stored in many of members’ homes.

Chapter 3: The Search
The group needed a home to preserve the community’s history and provide a place for residents, former residents, and other interested parties to gain a better understanding of the community’s roots. In 1993, a serious team of members began investigating available properties to call home for the Trotwood-Madison Historical Society. Many properties were visited and evaluated.

Chapter 4: Finding a Home
In March 1997, the Iams Homestead became available and through research, study and negotiations, a plan was developed to purchase the property at 349 S. Broadway. The Historical Society approved the purchase of the Iams Homestead November 1997 with a mortgage of $100,000 that required financing of $65,000.

Chapter 5: The Hearts of Two
Two gracious individuals provided the monetary notes and the new home became a reality. Volunteers came forward and through many fundraisers, the members providing the sweat labor, and work parties allowed completion of many projects. The property was re-zoned to a Planned Unit Development Business property. Renovations included ADA provisions, driveway / parking lot, security lighting, new chimneys, a new roof on studio, and this work continues today. With all this progress and having a permanent home, the membership has more than doubled.

Chapter 6: Buy a Brick
To help pay off the mortgage and make capital improvements to the Iams Homestead, the Society has established "BUY A BRICK" to create a legacy of many individuals, Trotwood-Madison High School Alumni, businesses, and organizations which assisted with the development and preservation. Names will be engraved on bricks in a walkway beginning around the house.

Chapter 7: Your Legacy
This project will also enhance the appearance of Iams Homestead and ensure that future visitors will know that YOU had a hand in preserving this property for future generations to enjoy. The plan for preservation never ends and YOUR LEGACY can live on forever! The inscription can be your name…In Memory of…In Honor of …family, organization, business, alumni, etc.

Chapter 8: Sounds Great! How Can I Order?
Just click on Brick Order Form to download the order form. Simply fill it out and mail it in with your check or money order. It’s just that easy. Thank you in advance for caring about your community and its historical preservation!