Today we are going to introduce you to the Fort Wayne History Center, located at 302 E. Berry St., a nine-minute, five-block walk from the convention center.
Nora and I love to visit the History Center. Nora is always fascinated by the Philo T. Farnsworth exhibits. Farnsworth, the recognized inventor of the modern television, established the Farnsworth Television and Radio Corporation, which operated in Fort Wayne from 1938 to 1951. My favorite is in the basement. The old Fort Wayne jail was housed in the basement of the building from 1893 to 1971. The cells are still there, complete with bars and graffiti scribbled on the walls by some long-ago ne’er-do-wells.
The History Center stands as a testament to the city’s enduring commitment to preserving and interpreting its rich heritage. Housed in the iconic Old City Hall building, the History Center serves as the home of the Allen County-Fort Wayne Historical Society and is widely recognized as the region’s primary institution dedicated to local history and culture.
The roots of the History Center trace back to 1921, when the Allen County-Fort Wayne Historical Society was founded by a group of local citizens passionate about safeguarding the area’s legacy. In its early years, the society functioned without a permanent home, relying on temporary displays and borrowed spaces to showcase its growing collection of artifacts, documents, and photographs. The society’s mission was clear from the beginning: to collect, preserve, and share the stories that shaped Fort Wayne and Allen County.
In 1979, the Historical Society found a lasting home in the Old City Hall building, a Romanesque Revival structure built in 1893. This move marked a significant turning point for the organization, providing it with a permanent space to expand its exhibits and educational programming. The building itself is a historic landmark, featuring beautiful masonry, stained glass, and intricate architectural details that add to the visitor experience. Its location in the heart of Fort Wayne makes it easily accessible and a prominent fixture in the city’s cultural landscape.
Today, the History Center boasts an impressive collection of more than 28,000 artifacts, all of which help tell the story of Fort Wayne’s evolution from a frontier outpost to a thriving urban center. The museum’s permanent exhibits include the “Glorious Gate City”, which chronicles the city’s early days as a strategic military fort, and displays highlighting the impact of transportation, industry, and immigration on the region’s development. The History Center also features interactive exhibits for children, hands-on activities, and rotating special exhibitions that explore various aspects of local history.
One of the museum’s most notable attractions is the permanent display dedicated to “Mad Anthony” Wayne, the Revolutionary War general for whom the city is named. Visitors can view artifacts from the 1794 Battle of Fallen Timbers and learn about Wayne’s role in securing the Northwest Territory for the United States. Other exhibits delve into the history of Native American peoples in the region, the Miami and Potawatomi tribes, and the city’s growth during the 19th and 20th centuries.
Over the decades, the History Center has grown into a dynamic institution that not only preserves Fort Wayne’s past but also inspires future generations to appreciate the city’s unique story. Through its exhibits, educational outreach, and community involvement, the museum plays a vital role in ensuring that the history of Fort Wayne and Allen County remains accessible and relevant.
A visit to the History Center offers a fascinating journey through the people, events, and innovations that have shaped the city. The ongoing efforts of the Allen County-Fort Wayne Historical Society ensure that the local heritage is celebrated and protected for years to come.
Here is a short video on the center.
We hope to see you in Fort Wayne next Summer.
Nora and John