Events

Events

The History Center hosts several events throughout the year, from our recurring George R. Mather Sunday Lecture Series to the seasonal Festival of Gingerbread, and more. Check our Events page frequently to find out what is coming up.


Find Events

Date/Time Event
Mar 30, 2024
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Fool Hardy History
The History Center, Fort Wayne Indiana
Apr 1, 2024
10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Allen County Bicentennial Celebration Opening Ceremony
,
Apr 7, 2024
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
A Performing Arts Theatre and Civic Vision
The History Center, Fort Wayne Indiana
Apr 20, 2024
11:00 am - 5:00 pm
Allen County Bicentennial Block Party
,
May 4, 2024
9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Barr Street Farmers Market
Barr Street Market, Fort Wayne Indiana
May 5, 2024
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Harmar’s Defeat: The 1790 Battle of Kekionga
The History Center, Fort Wayne Indiana
May 11, 2024
9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Barr Street Farmers Market
Barr Street Market, Fort Wayne Indiana
May 18, 2024
9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Barr Street Farmers Market
Barr Street Market, Fort Wayne Indiana
May 25, 2024
9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Barr Street Farmers Market
Barr Street Market, Fort Wayne Indiana
Jun 1, 2024
9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Barr Street Farmers Market
Barr Street Market, Fort Wayne Indiana
1 2 3 4


Rev George Mather
Rev. George R. Mather

George R. Mather Sunday Lecture Series

In 1993, while serving on the History Center Board of Directors, Reverend George R. Mather proposed a series of free, Sunday afternoon lectures on topics that influenced Fort Wayne and Allen County history. This lecture series was renamed in Rev. Mather’s memory following his passing in 2004.

All lectures in the series are held at 2:00 pm on the first Sunday of the month, October—June. All lectures are FREE to the public.

Upcoming Lectures

Sponsored by the Floyd and Betty Lou Lancia Family Foundation and


Special Events

Events

  • Fool Hardy History
    • Mar 30, 2024
    • 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
  • Allen County Bicentennial Celebration Opening Ceremony
    • Apr 1, 2024
    • 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
  • Allen County Bicentennial Block Party
    • Apr 20, 2024
    • 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
  • Taste of the Arts
    • Aug 24, 2024
    • 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
  • Be A Tourist in Your Own Hometown
    • Sep 8, 2024
    • 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm

  • Miami Indian Heritage Days

    Miami Indian Heritage Days provides an opportunity for visitors to experience the traditions of the local Miami Tribe, passed down from its ancestors. Discover Miami Tribe history, culture and more, alongside the grandeur of the Chief Richardville House.

    Upcoming Miami Indian Heritage Events

    • Join us in May 2024 for a new season!
    Miami Drummers
    Traditional Miami Indian Drummers perform at Miami Indian Heritage Days
    Miami Indian Heritage Days
    Miami Indian Heritage Days

    Barr Street Market Circa 1893
    Barr Street Market, circa 1893
    Barr Street Market
    Modern Barr Street Market

    The Barr Street Farmers Market

    The Barr Street Market is the oldest public space in Fort Wayne, and has been owned by the History Center since 1988.

    In 2005, the Barr Street Market was revitalized as a farmers market through a partnership with the Young Leaders of Northeast Indiana. The Barr Street Farmers Market attracts tens of thousands of visitors to downtown Fort Wayne on Saturday mornings throughout the summer.

    Upcoming Barr Street Market Events

    • Barr Street Farmers Market
      • May 4, 2024
      • 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
    • Barr Street Farmers Market
      • May 11, 2024
      • 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
    • Barr Street Farmers Market
      • May 18, 2024
      • 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
    • Barr Street Farmers Market
      • May 25, 2024
      • 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
    • Barr Street Farmers Market
      • Jun 1, 2024
      • 9:00 am – 1:00 pm

    Beginning in May and continuing through September, the Barr Street Farmers Market will be open each Saturday from 9am to 1pm. Please enjoy free admission to the History Center during these hours.


    Festival of Gingerbread

    Since 1986, the Festival of Gingerbread has become one of Fort Wayne’s most cherished holiday traditions, and one of downtown’s most popular events. Each year, gingerbread creations by local artists are set up in the historic Shields Room in celebration of the holidays. Gingerbread artists range from Pre-K students to professionals.

    Festival of Gingerbread 2023 will be held from November 24 through December 17, at the History Center. Here is your opportunity to show off your culinary skills with a gingerbread creation of your own. Print your entry form here.

    Festival of Gingerbread Events

    • Watch for us in November 2024!
    Festival of Gingerbread Logo
    Festival of Gingerbread
    Festival of Gingerbread in the Shields Room

    Virtual Tour

    Missed a previous Festival of Gingerbread and want to take a tour from the comfort of your own home? No worries! You may still purchase access to the Festival of Gingerbread 2020, 2021 and 2022 virtual video tours through the website. To purchase access, please use the appropriate “Purchase Virtual Tour Pass” button below. If you have already purchased access to a virtual tour and have a valid password, please use the appropriate “Go to Virtual Tour” button to enter your password and view the tour. Virtual tour passes are sold separately for each respective year’s virtual tour. Purchasing a virtual tour pass grants access to that respective virtual tour only.