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

Fort Wayne City Hall Building, c. 1893

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 5:00 p.m.

Chief Richardville House

• First Saturday of each month, May through October - 1:00 PM to 4:00 p.m.
• First weekend in November for Traders Days, Saturday 10 AM to 5 p.m. and Sunday Noon to 4 p.m.
• Or by appointment

  Fort Wayne City Council Chambers

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.

Rentals

If you would like to make your next event truly historic, our facilities are available for rental, including the picturesque Freimann 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, and wedding receptions. A smaller room is also available for more intimate meetings. Call 260.426.2882 for more information or to make a reservation.

Contact Us

The History Center
302 E. Berry Street
Fort Wayne, IN 46802
Voice: 260.426.2882
Fax: 260.424.4419
Email: histsociety@comcast.net
Website: www.fwhistorycenter.com

Staff

Todd Maxwell Pelfrey - executive director
Robert Nern - community and project coordinator
Mary True - marketing coordinator
Walter Font - curator
Randy Elliott - exhibitor
Kathryn Baker - administration coordinator
Kelly McCague - special events/facility rentals
Jamia Alexander - program coordinator
Greg Zickgraf - museum shop manager
Kip Ormerod - facilities coordinator