Who We Are | Hours and Information | Mission Statement | Vision Statement | Rentals | Contact Us | Staff  | Board of Directors

Fort Wayne City Hall Building, c. 1901

Who We Are

The History Center is home to the Allen County-Fort Wayne Historical Society, its museum and collections.  When formed in 1921, the society's assets were few, consisting of some historical relics that had been preserved by the Mary Penrose Wayne Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.  Today it maintains a collection of more than 23,000 artifacts, photographs and documents representing the history of Fort Wayne and Allen County. The largest of these is the very building in which the society has resided since 1980--the 1893 City Hall building designed by Fort Wayne architects John F. Wing and Marshall S. Mahurin.  The History Center also oversees the historic Barr Street Market (adjacent to the building), the oldest public space in Fort Wayne, dating back to 1837, and the 1827 home of Miami Chief Jean Baptiste de Richardville.

Hours and Information

History Center:
Monday to Friday - 10 a.m to 5 p.m.
Saturday - Noon to 5 p.m.
First Sunday of the month (unless otherwise noted) - Noon to 5 p.m.
Admission: Adults - $5.00, Seniors and Students $3.00, Children age 5 and under - Free, History Center Members - Free

Chief Richardville House:
First Saturday of each month, May through October - 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
First weekend in November for Traders Days, Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday Noon to 4 p.m.
Or by appointment (call 260.426.2882 x309).  

Mission Statement

To serve present and future generations by collecting, preserving, and sharing historic artifacts, documents, and images that describe the people, places, and events that define Fort Wayne and Allen County history.

Vision Statement

The Allen County-Fort Wayne Historical Society will be the leader in presenting the history, customs, traditions, and heritage of Fort Wayne and Allen County to the community through the use of creative and innovative techniques and technology.

Facility Rentals

If you would like to make your next event truly historic, our facilities are available for rental, including the picturesque Shields Room, which served as the former city council chamber when the building was still Fort Wayne's city hall. This room has been used for lectures, conferences, retirement parties, weddings and wedding receptions, and can comfortably seat up to 160 guests banquet-style, or can accomodate up to 200 guests for cocktail parties or lectures. A smaller room is also available for more intimate events, and a board room is available for your business meetings or smaller gatherings. To read a recent review of a History Center rental, click here, or visit www.weddingbook.com. 

To download a sheet with facility rental pricing, click here. 

Click here for the "Rental Policy/Information Packet" or download our Rental Postcard.

Click here for a list of approved vendors.

For more information, or to schedule your next event, call Stephanie Essex, events coordinator, at 260.426.2882 x308 or email stephanie.essex@fwhistorycenter.com.

Your Wedding Day Will be a Historic Occasion at the History Center!

Contact Us

The History Center
302 East Berry Street
Fort Wayne, Indiana 46802
Voice: 260.426.2882
Fax: 260.424.4419
Email: histsociety@fwhistorycenter.com
Website: www.fwhistorycenter.com

Staff

Todd Maxwell Pelfrey - executive director
Robert Nern - community and project coordinator
Walter Font - curator
Randy Elliott - exhibitor
Sara Gabbard - development coordinator
Mary True - marketing coordinator
Kathryn Baker - administration coordinator
Leanna Harney - education coordinator
Stephanie Essex - events coordinator
Kip Ormerod - facilities coordinator

Board of Directors

PRIVACY POLICY:  To download a printable PDF version of the History Center's Privacy Policy, click here. 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS:  To download a printable PDF version of the History Center's most recent Audited Financial Statements, click here.  
FORM 990: To download a printable PDF version of the History Center's most recent IRS Form 990, please click here.
Or, to have a printed copy of any of these documents mailed to you, please contact the History Center at histsociety@fwhistorycenter.com or call 260.426.2882.