Best Historical Society Fort Wayne Near Me

Kendra: Tldr: Woof does this place whitewash history like no tomorrow.Recently a friend and I were downtown and, intrigued by the History Center signs, we decided to check out the museum. Half of the building was undergoing major physical renovations, but in our eyes the real overhaul needed to happen to outdated plaques and phrasings. Such as a plaque in the ~1800s section that said “People were conquered. Geology was conquered” in that casual way, as if genoc*de is a very normal and everyday thing that isn’t in the least concerning or something to discuss and wrestle with beyond the barest of acknowledgements. “Mad” Anthony Wayne, after whom the city was named, was venerated instead of approached with a critical or even neutral lens. We also wondered whether the indigenous artifacts belonged there or had ever been offered back to the tribes they came from.There was also, in a more modern history section about innovations over the last century or so, a few interactive stations that felt like advertisements for local businesses (Sweetwater, Vera Bradley) rather than relevant historical pieces.We did not choose to visit the jail in the basement. Instead, we accidentally walked into a half-constructed exhibit room that had no signs or warnings on the outside of the room alerting visitors to its incomplete state. If you’re going to keep a museum open during renovations, there should be clear signage to direct traffic and ensure visitors stay safe and don’t unintentionally wander into active construction zones.All of that to say: This museum is highly unprofessional and problematic. History museums should no longer be shying away from confronting the ugliness of the US’s past. It’s embarrassing and, frankly, disgusting to see an institution dedicated to sharing history so committed to propping up colonialism and a consumerist culture.

Connie Martin: Visited on Weekday Wait time No wait Reservation recommended NoMore

Alex Tamalunas: Nice history of Fort Wayne with all that was produced from this city over many years. Never realized so much came from here. Good displays of many old products and the growth of the city.Visited on Weekday Wait time No wait Reservation recommended No Price for adult entry $1–5 …More

Amanda Otis: I visited the History Center with my son's preschool class. We attended the annual Festival of Gingerbread there last month.Parking was a bit of a nightmare here considering more than half of the parking spaces are for city vehicles and the lot is quite small. Parking is not super convenient when walking with small children in the cold.The building, exhibits, and displays are fun to look at and learn about the history of Fort Wayne and the surrounding area.The old jail is in the basement here, too. I am a native of Fort Wayne but had never been to the former jail area downstairs, so I thought that was cool. Overall, it was a good experience here.

Michael Clouser: Met my daughter and her family to view the yearly Gingerbread Festival creations and also strolled through the collection of local history. We skipped the old jail in the basement this year as we ran out of time.Visited on Weekday Wait time No wait Reservation recommended No Price for adult entry $6–10 …More

Scotty Rivers: Visited on Weekday Wait time 30–60 min Reservation recommended No Price for adult entry $6–10More

Greg Sutter: We went for the gingerbread house's. They were well done.Visited on Weekday Wait time No wait Reservation recommended Not sure Price for adult entry $1–5 …More

Hakim Muhammad: Visited on Weekend Wait time No wait Reservation recommended No Price for adult entry $6–10More

Erol SINAN: It was a good visiting. There were also cake competitions. How beautiful all.

Gina F: Attended the Festival of Gingerbread. The Gingerbread was creative and fun. Great event!Visited on Weekend Wait time No wait Reservation recommended No Price for adult entry $6–10 …More

Ally Ransom: Staff was wonderful and so kind. The exhibits were great. The old jail is so creepy! Worth a photo op if nothing else!Visited on Weekend Wait time No wait Reservation recommended No Price for adult entry $6–10 …More

ghamar nikzad: I learned many things about Fort Wayne.Visited on Weekday Wait time No wait Reservation recommended No Price for adult entry $6–10 …More

D: I was there for Fright Night, pretty good. Only $3. The old jail in the basement was interesting. They had a fair amount of historic artifacts in the building.Visited on Weekend Wait time No wait …More

Michael Frantom: Overall we enjoyed the museum.Woman at the entrance desk wasn't very helpful.Visited on Weekday Wait time No wait Reservation recommended No Price for adult entry $1–5 …More

Tré Sowers: Visited on Weekend Wait time No wait Reservation recommended NoMore

Leroy Pierce: We enjoyed the Bill Blass exhibit and the screening of the Ghost Army documentary. They even had a replica of an inflatable tank!

Glenn Muncy: Lots of good local history. For a non local who loves history, it was a wonderful, tasteful few hours. The flask once owned by Johnny Appleseed was certainly a highlight. A good $6 investment!Visited on Weekday Wait time No wait Reservation recommended No Price for adult entry $6–10 …More

Marty Blessing: Nice museum, had model railroad display for 3 rivers festivalVisited on Weekday Wait time No wait Reservation recommended No Price for adult entry $1–5 …More

Moacir Maffioletti: Very good !Visits to museum are always interesting.It is very good to know a little about local history...I recommend.👍🏻🇺🇸