Mayor Salutes Rich History of Our Community by Proclaiming May Historic Preservation Month
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Today Mayor Tom Henry recognized May as National Historic Preservation Month in Fort Wayne. He called attention to fun activities celebrating our history and heritage, as well as the enhancement of our community’s historic neighborhoods, buildings, and sites.
“Our community has a rich history,” Mayor Henry said. “Fort Wayne has numerous architectural treasures and historic areas in downtown and throughout the city, particularly the Fort Wayne Park and Boulevard System that is newly-listed in the National Register of Historic Places. We understand that building the future of our city depends on honoring and preserving the best parts of our past. The most sustainable, greenest, and most engaging revitalization efforts build upon the best elements of our historic places.”
A Historic Preservation Month Scavenger Hunt of historic architectural details in downtown Fort Wayne is being planned by the Historic Preservation office in the City’s Division of Community Development beginning on May 6th. A handy full-color card with photos will be available at the Fort Wayne Visitors Center at 927 S. Harrison, the downtown Allen County Public Library, and at other downtown locations as well as on line at www.CityofFortWayne.org/preservation. Pick up or print out a copy and explore downtown Fort Wayne looking for buildings that hold surprises. But look carefully—in some cases someone else may be looking back at you! Answers can be submitted via the City’s preservation webpage until June 1. Completed and correct online submissions will be placed in a drawing for some fun prizes, such as a gift certificate for 816 Pint & Slice, Botanical Conservatory passes, Tin Caps tickets, or a personal tour of the Allen County Courthouse! (One submission per person please.)
Several local organizations are also hosting events and activities throughout Preservation Month that celebrate community heritage. One of the many preservation month events will be a presentation by Mike Galbraith of ARCH, Inc. and Creager Smith, City Historic Preservation Planner, on the Allen County-Fort Wayne Survey Planning Project, a new inventory of historic sites, structures, and districts throughout the community. The presentation will be May 16 at 7pm at the downtown Allen County Public Library, Meeting Room B. You might be surprised at what you learn about the history and future of places where we live, work, and play! A Heritage Calendar of local events can be found at the City’s website; visit www.CityofFortWayne.org/preservation.
The City of Fort Wayne Historic Preservation staff and the Historic Preservation Commission work to strengthen the city’s historic resources through historic preservation and heritage development. The Historic Preservation program offers a wide range of assistance to help property owners recognize historic properties as Local Historic Districts or on the National Register of Historic Places. Technical assistance is also available to assist public and private property owners in maintaining or recapturing the historic character of their properties.
For more information call 427-1127, or visit www.CityofFortWayne.org/preservation.