It is among the oldest literary societies in the English-speaking world and was founded on February 19, 1803, by the first graduating class of the university's Franklin College.

[1] The society meets every Thursday during the academic school year at 7 pm and once during the summer in Demosthenian Hall on UGA's North Campus.

Citing issues of student disenfranchisement within the UGA and U.S. political systems, the society voted in 2012 to secede from the United States of America as the micronation 'Demosthenia.

[5] In the wake of the Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia in August 2017, the society removed their portrait of Confederate general and honorary member Robert E. Lee from their building.

The simplicity of the carved mantels, window moldings, doors, and deep paneled wainscoting emphasizes the drama of the ornate plasterwork ceiling medallion which is based on a template designed by Asher Benjamin.

Containing mostly donated furniture constructed in the late 18th and early 19th century, the society has endeavored to maintain the historic feel of the rooms.

[citation needed] Demosthenian maintains extensive archives of past meeting minutes, society business, and members.

This method of debate challenges members and guests to formulate speeches based on solely prior knowledge and without extensive preparation.

Recent faculty advisors include: On the Saturday that falls closest to the anniversary of the society's founding, the All Night Meeting is hosted at Demosthenian Hall.

Each year at the All Night Meeting, current members are recognized for their service and devotion to the society by being awarded Speaker's Keys.

[17][18] Starting in 1995, the Thursday closest to Halloween has been designated as the date that the Demosthenian Literary Society hosts the annual Hat Debate.

Members submit resolutions (usually humorous) and challenges (certain tasks people must complete during their speeches) before the program that are then put in a hat to be drawn from.