Early 1900s

DAR Meeting Gavel

Fort Wayne's Mary Penrose Wayne Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution was organized on 18 December 1901 and the charter was issued on 20 January 1902. The organization has contributed to the community playing a significant role in starting the genealogy collection for the Allen County Public Library. The DAR's "Relic Room" display in the Allen County Courthouse also became the roots of the History Center's permanent collection when the artifacts were moved to the Allen County-Fort Wayne Historical Society museum in the Swinney House in 1927. This gavel was used by the Mary Penrose Wayne Chapter during its early meetings.