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The History Center

Introduction

Text-to-speech Audio

Housed in the historic Old Fort Wayne City Hall building, The History Center is a museum dedicated to the history of Fort Wayne and Allen County. It is operated by the Allen County-Fort Wayne Historical Society, which is also located in the building. The museum's exhibits showcase the area's history from the Ice Age to today, covering a wide range of subjects including Native American culture and the city's founding and development. Many items and artifacts from the museum's collection are on display in the exhibits. As for the building itself, it was constructed in 1893 and is a fine example of Romanesque architecture. Interesting features include rough-hewn stonework, semi-circular arches, and ornamental roof ridges.


Images

  • The former city hall building houses the Allen County-Fort Wayne Historical Society and The History Center museum.

Backstory and Context

Text-to-speech Audio

The Allen County-Fort Wayne Historical Society was founded in 1921 and has been located in the Old City Hall since 1980. The Society also manages the historic Barr Street Market, which takes place next to the building and is the oldest public space in Fort Wayne, and the 1827 home of Miami Chief Jean Baptiste de Richardville, which is a separate Clio entry.

Sources

"About Us." Allen County-Fort Wayne Historical Society. Accessed April 2, 2019.   http://www.fwhistorycenter.com/aboutUs.html.

Vervalin, David R. "City Hall - Fort Wayne, Indiana." National Park Service - National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form. June 4, 1973.  https://secure.in.gov/apps/dnr/shaard/r/25b44/N/Fort_Wayne_City_Hall_Allen_CO_Nom.pdf

Photo: Wikimedia Commons
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_Wayne_Old_City_Hall_Building#/media/File:City_Hall_Ft_W_IN_1.jpg

Additional Information