In 1971, a group of civic-minded individuals, concerned about preserving the rich historical heritage of Kent incorporated as the Kent Historical Society. The original incorporators were Sam Apicello, William B. Birkner, John H. Carson, Titus Jackman, Leland C. Keller, James P. Myers, Reed B. Strimple, and Loris Troyer. The young society would soon face its first major crisis: the threat of destruction to the landmark 1875 Kent Railway Station. In 1975, the society bought the station and began a renovation of the building which cost over a half a million dollars.

The Society's offices and museum are on the second floor of the station, the ground floor being occupied by the Pufferbelly, Ltd. In addition to its strong tradition of displaying artifacts in the Rowe Museum, the Society maintains the Kent Historical Resource Center for those researching local and family history.