Press release from the City:
Mayor Salutes Rich History of Our Community by Proclaiming Historic Preservation Month
Today Mayor Tom Henry recognized May as National Historic Preservation Month in Fort Wayne. He called attention to activities celebrating our history and heritage, as well as the enhancement of our community’s historic neighborhoods, buildings, and sites.
“Our community has managed to preserve much of our heritage and history,” Mayor Henry said. “Fort Wayne has a long-standing tradition of honoring our past and trying to reuse and reclaim examples of significant structures and character from our history. We understand that moving forward into our future includes honoring our past, and we know how important it is to the vitality of our city to ensure strong revitalization efforts.”
Several local organizations are hosting events and activities throughout the month. A poster highlighting Historic Preservation month along with a brochure highlighting area activities has been prepared by the Historic Preservation office in the City’s Division of Community Development. It is available at the downtown Allen County Public Library and at other locations in the community. The brochure along with an online Heritage Calendar may also be found on the City’s website.
This year Historic Preservation month highlights the yearlong nation-wide celebration of Abraham Lincoln’s 200th Birthday (February 12, 2009). The Hoosier state has many reasons to celebrate President Lincoln; he spent 14 of his most formative years (from age 7 to 21) in southern Indiana. Fort Wayne has embraced Lincoln’s legacy with numerous memorials within the City to visit. Among them is the sculpture “The Hoosier Youth” by renowned sculptor Paul Manship (featured on this year’s brochure and poster), the Lincoln Tower, and the historic Lincoln Highway. Soon the former Lincoln archival collection of the Lincoln Financial Foundation will open at the Allen County Public Library.
A few highlights from the calendar include Miami Indian Heritage Day at Chief Richardville House on Saturday May 3, from 1-4 p.m. (5705 Bluffton Road); a presentation and book signing by Author Jan Shupert-Arick on her new book called “The Lincoln Highway Across Indiana” on Saturday May 9 at 2 p.m. at the History Center (302 East Berry); and a presentation by Angie Quinn of ARCH, Inc. on the history of the Maumee Valley and cultural heritage activities of the Maumee Heritage Corridor, Inc. called “Layers of History” on Wednesday May 27th, at 7 p.m. at the History Center (302 East Berry).
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 by listing 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 on-line.
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