On March 17, 1917 Civitan was formed in Birmingham, Alabama by a group of business men. Civitan International was formed with the chartering of the first club in Canada.

On April of 1920 in Toronto. Dr. Courtney W. Shopshire was the founder of this branch, and the first president of Civitan International.

On April 4, 1964 the Smiths Falls Civitan Club was chartered by the Capital Civitan Club of Ottawa. This took place at the Smiths Falls Golf and Country Club and was started with 25 members. The first president was Sam Wilson. The charter was presented by Gordon Bates, Governor of the Canadian District. One month after the club was chartered; Donald Stanzel was initiated as a new member. At this time the meetings were being held at Wongs Grill on William Street in Smiths Falls. By this time, the membership had increased to 36.

On the first anniversary on the Smiths Falls' club, an election of officers was held, and Sam Wilson was elected as the president by acclamation. Also, during this meeting, three new members were initiated.

June 19, 1965 the Perth Civitan Club was chartered by the Smiths Falls Civitan Club.

In 1967 Donald Stanzel was elected as club president, a position he held for two years.

April 24, 1969 saw the sod turning ceremony for the new Smiths Falls Civitan building located off highway 15 on the northern limits of the town.

April 29, 1973 the Kingston and District Civitan Club was chartered by the Smiths Falls Civitan Club.

April 16, 1988 the greater Petawawa and District Civitan Club was chartered by the Smiths Falls Civitan Club.