About the Museum
The History Center is home to the Allen County-Fort Wayne Historical Society, including its museum and collections. When formed in 1921, the society had few assets, consisting of some historical relics that had been preserved by the Mary Penrose Wayne Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Today we maintain a collection of more than 32,000 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 adjacent Barr Street Market, the oldest public space in Fort Wayne dating to 1837, and the 1827 home of Miami Chief Jean Baptiste de Richardville.
Our Mission
To serve present and future generations by collecting, preserving, and sharing artifacts, documents, and images that describe the people, places, and events that define Fort Wayne and Allen County history.
Our Vision
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.
Hours & Admission
Museum Hours
| Monday – Thursday | 9am – 5pm |
| Friday & Saturday | 9pm – 8pm |
| Sunday | 12pm – 5pm |
Museum Admission
| Adults (18–64) | $7.00 |
| Seniors (65+) | $5.00 |
| Youth (3–17) | $5.00 |
| Children 2 & Under | FREE |
| History Center Members | FREE |
Chief Richardville House
Please visit the Chief Richardville House page for further information.
Our Board of Directors, 2024–2025
| Joanna Rogers, President |
| Tom Harris, Vice President |
| Jeff Krull, Treasurer |
| Tim Harmon, Secretary |
| John Beatty | W. Michael Horton | Jaki Schreier |
| Clifford F. Buttram, Jr. | Floyd Lancia | Megan Torres |
| Stephen L. Chapman | Angela Quinn | Georgia Wralstad Ulmschneider |
| Michael Galbraith | Jan Sanner | |
Our Advisory Board Members
| Larry Adelman | Genevra Dornbush | Daniel P. Kensinger |
| Vince Backs | Alan Grinsfelder | Karen Richards |
| Tom Castaldi | ||
Our Staff
Visit Us
The History Center
302 East Berry Street
Fort Wayne, IN 46802
Phone: 260.426.2882
Fax: 260.424.4419
Email: administration@fwhistorycenter.org
Policies/Legal/Sponsorship
Privacy Policy:
Click here to view our Privacy Policy.
Financial Statements/IRS Form 990:
Sponsorship Information:
Please call 260.426.2882 x311
The History Center is a BBB Accredited Charity, meaning it has been evaluated according to the 20 Better Business Bureau Standards for Charity Accountability and meets all of those Standards. You can view the full report by clicking here.
