![]()
![]()

Q. How does your pricing work?
A. Our pricing is specific to the venue you’ve selected and services you’d like included, such as any rented linens, tables, chairs, tents, or bar packages. Any rented items must be purchased through Dayton History using our partner business, Prime Time Party Rental. In addition, all alcoholic beverages consumed on Dayton History’s premises must be purchased through Dayton History.
Q. How do I find out what my event might cost?
A. The best way to get an estimate is to give one of our Event Coordinators a call (937-293-2841 x106), or email cshumaker@daytonhistory.org. One of our Event Coordinators will gladly walk you through all the services we offer, check you’re the availability of your date, and provide you a price estimate of what you can expect for the services and type of event you have in mind.
Q. Am I allowed to bring in my own food for my event, have someone I know cater it, or have a pot-luck style event?
A. We are partnered a select few approved catering companies who do an outstanding job with service, presentation, and quality of food. These catering companies have been accepted through an application process and understand the valuable assets and intricacy at Dayton History’s properties. All food at our venues must be provided by an approved caterer, or a non-approved company may cater an event under the agreement that they are a licensed and insured catering company. Using a non-approved catering company is an additional $500.00 fee.
Dayton History’s Approved Catering List 2011-2012
Q. Can we do any decorating ourselves?
A. All rented items for the event must be rented by a Dayton History Event Coordinator using Prime Time Party Rental. Because many of Dayton History’s venues are open to the public during normal business hours, there is an extremely limited set-up time available prior to events. Our set typically begins two hours prior to the event, leaving a short amount of time for our clients to get in and decorate for their event. We typically recommend trusting a florist to manage and set up your decorations, and we’re more than happy to recommend some great vendors to help.
Q. How many people can be seated at your venues?
A. First, we are creative, flexible, and willing to work with you no matter what size of event you're planning, so please call to talk through other options if your number doesn't seem to be ideal for our venues. Second, keep in mind that capacity varies depending on the event type. For example, a conference with no meal and no additional socializing area needed can fit many more guests than a prom with a dinner and large dancing and photo areas needed. With that said, below is the recommended capacities for our venues:
Q. Can I get married & have my reception at your venue?
A. Absolutely! We have many options for ceremonies as well as receptions. For instance, many people have decided to hold their ceremony on the Morrison Iron Bridge right next to their reception at Transportation Center. We also have numerous wedding ceremonies on the Town Greene with the reception in the Kettering Family Education Center. Memorial Hall also offers a great option for a ceremony in the grand marble entrance atrium with the reception in the lower level banquet room.
In some circumstances where the wedding ceremony takes place in the exact same room as the reception (such as a ceremony and reception at the Old Court House), we typically have the room set for the ceremony as it will be for the reception (guests seated at round tables.) Check our Facebook page for pictures of wedding ceremonies receptions that have taken place at our venues in the past.
Q. How much time do I receive with my rental?
A. Most of our event rental blocks are for a four hour event. We usually begin setting for the event two hours prior to the event’s start. It is also an option to purchase additional hours to extend your event.
For wedding ceremonies, you will receive a one hour rental for your rehearsal the day before and a two hour event block the day of. The two hour block provides you with one hour prior to the ceremony and a half hour after. If you’d like to additional time for photographs or decorations, you are welcome to do so for an additional fee at the time of your booking.
Q. What other services do you offer other than the event venue?
A. In addition to providing all the rented items through the use of Prime Time Party Rental, our Event Coordinators are happy to assist you through the planning process from details such as picking out your linen colors, recommending great vendors for your entertainment, shuttle service, florists, and photographers. We set up and tear down all of the tables, chairs and linens for our events, and we provide you with a staff “Captain” who will be at your event from start to finish and will be your contact point during your event.
Dayton History also provides all the wine, beer, and spirits for your event. We provide the supplies and staff service for your bar packages. One of our Event Coordinators will be happy to send you our bar/beverage packages and pricing.
We also offer the opportunity to request personal tour guides for your event for an additional cost. This provides your guests a one-of-a-kind experience to enjoy your event in conjunction with a personal tour of Dayton’s rich history.
If you’d like to have photographs taken at any of our venues, feel free to call us to check availability, and schedule your photo session for our low hourly rate. The unforgettable classic buildings and beautiful landscaping provide a spectacular backdrop for wedding pictures, family photos, or senior portraits.
Q. I’d like to book my event. What’s my next step?
A. Simply give us a call (937-293-2841x106) and we’ll walk you through the process. We ask for a $500.00 deposit to book your selected date (all deposits are nonrefundable). The deposit will be applied toward your overall payment. Once you book your date, we will be in touch as we detail out your event. We ask for your final guest count and all details finalized 14 days prior to your event, and payment in full is due 10 days prior to your event. From that point on, it’s time for you to relax and enjoy your event at Dayton History!