TMRA was founded in December of 1953 by Maynard "Red" Nelson, W8HHF; Karl Koella, W8VSB; and John Rosenberger, W8WIT. Approximately 15 amateurs met at the American Red Cross Building near Downtown Toledo for the first monthly business meeting of the new organization.

Today the organization is still prepared to provide emergency communication along with participating in a variety of other activities related to amateur radio and community service.

Over the years, the TMRA has held it's general business meetings at the Red Cross building, in the home garage of one of its members, the Salvation Army, the Auditorium of Toledo Edison's Acme generating station and Luke's Barn which is part of the Lucas County Recreation Center. Today, monthly meetings are held at the Electrical Industrial Building in Rossford.

Membership in the TMRA has ranged from the original 15 to more than 340 in the early 1990's. From the mid-1990's through 2005, membership has declined to around 200 members. An amateur radio license in not required to become a member of the TMRA. However, a current amateur radio license is required to become a full voting member in the organization.

The TMRA is classified as a tax exempt, non-profit, educational organization. The organization is also registered with the State of Ohio Attorney General's office as a charitable trust foundation. The TMRA is recognized by the ARRL as a Special Services Club.