The Society was established in 1899, with Gen. Roeliff Brinkerhoff as its first president. The primary project of the Society today is the preservation of Oak Hill Cottage at 310 Springmill Street in Mansfield, and its operation as a house museum. The group is a 501-C3 non-profit, with a board of directors that meets at least bi-monthly and a Guild of volunteers that conduct the tours, housekeeping, and other work in the Cottage.