Free Lecture at the History Center on February 1, 2009

DR. CURTIS JONES TO DISCUSS EARLY AFRICAN-AMERICAN SETTLERS IN NORTHEAST INDIANA

Join us at the History Center on Sunday, February 1, at 2:00 pm, as Dr. Curtis Jones presents “They, Too, Came as Pioneers: Early African-American Settlers in Northeast Indiana.” This free lecture is part of the 2008 George R. Mather Sunday Lecture Series, and is made possible with support from the Dunsire Family Foundation.

This presentation examines the historical research findings compiled by Ms. Edith Karene Moore. A family’s journey from about 1760 until 2009 is the subject of this effort. “What we are is what we were when” seems to describe the relative success of the families examined in this research effort. The Jones family is the primary focal point of this presentation.

Curtis Joseph Jones, Ph.D. was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan and grew up on a dairy farm in Byron Center, Michigan. He is Professor Emeritus at Grand Valley State University. He received a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Arts from Western Michigan University, and a Doctor of Philosophy from Michigan State University.

The History Center is located at 302 East Berry Street, Fort Wayne, and the facility is handicap accessible. For more information, call (260) 426-2882, or visit our website.

LINCOLN’S TREASURER EXHIBIT NOW OPEN AT THE HISTORY CENTER

In commemoration of the 200th birthday of Abraham Lincoln, the History Center presents “Lincoln’s Treasurer: Hugh McCulloch of Fort Wayne” exhibit through June 30, 2009. This exhibit shows how Fort Wayne native Hugh McCulloch shaped Abraham Lincoln’s presidency and legacy. McCulloch was a banker who helped launch the national banking system, and was secretary of the Treasury during Lincoln’s presidency.

Lincoln-related books and DVDs are available in the museum shop, including the book “Hugh McCulloch: Father of Modern Banking” by Susan Lee Guckenberg, offered on sale for a limited time at $18.09 (Lincoln’s birth year).

Museum hours are: Monday-Friday 10 am-5 pm; Saturday Noon-5 pm; First Sunday of each month Noon-5 pm. Admission: $5 adults; $3 seniors and students; History Center members and children 5 and under free.

The History Center is located at 302 East Berry Street, Fort Wayne, Indiana. Parking is free and the facility is handicap accessible. For more information call (260) 426-2882 or visit our website.

Patty Martone Introduces Extraordinary Fort Wayne Women Presentation

by Mary True of the History Center

 

 

 

 

 

Join us at the History Center on Sunday, January 4th, at 2:00 PM, as Dr. Patty Martone presents “Fort Wayne Women Who Have Broken the Mold.” This free lecture is part of the 2008 George R. Mather Sunday Lecture Series, and is sponsored by The Dunsire Family Foundation.

 

Retired educator Patty Martone introduces you to a cluster of Fort Wayne women who have made a significant impact in our community. From the early Fort to the present city-scene, these adventurous change agents have “broken the mold.” These extraordinary women went where women were not expected to go, did what women were not expected to do, and in the end, opened up the realm of infinite possibilities for women. “Beyond ’sugar and spice and all that is nice’ are driven, highly motivated, successful Fort Wayne women,” says Martone. “They have melted the mold and shattered the ceiling with gusto and reached out toward greatness.”

 

Martone is a Fort Wayne native and a former assistant superintendent of Fort Wayne Community Schools. She has won numerous awards and honors, including Fort Wayne Citizen of the Year, Fort Wayne First Woman, Allen County Woman of the Year, and Sagamore of the Wabash.

 

The History Center is located at 302 East Berry Street, Fort Wayne, and the facility is handicap accessible. For more information, call (260) 426-2882, or visit our website.

The History Centers “Festival of Gingerbread” Featured in Fort Wayne Family Magazine

The “Greater Fort Wayne Family Magazine” featured the Festival of Gingerbread in their December issue– the article is entitled “Fort Wayne Serves Up Festive Fun.” They interviewed Todd Pelfrey, took pictures of kids making a gingerbread house, and wrote a great article about the Festival.

 

This free magazine can be picked up at any of hundreds of locations in the Fort Wayne area. But if you can’t find a copy, please stop by the History Center as they have some available.

 

You can also access the E-edition online. Congratulations to the History Center.

Peony Tea House Replica takes First Place

History Center Announces Gingerbread Winners

 

A number of historical homes and buildings are represented in elaborate, sugary creations this year, including the McCulloch House, the Hanna House, the Peony Tea House, Center School in Aboite Township, School House No. 7, the Fire Engine Station Museum, No. 3 Old Firehouse, and the Rialto Theater. Other gingerbread entries depict candy covered castles and gingerbread houses, lovely churches and impressive cathedrals, and Santa’s sleigh and trains filled with goodies. Local sites like Headwaters Park, Parkview Field, and the Johnny Appleseed gravesite are some of the amazing and detailed creations on display.

The Festival of Gingerbread raises money to support the History Center. Hours during the Festival are: Monday through Thursday 9am-5pm; Friday 9am-8pm; Saturday 9am-5pm; and Sunday Noon-5pm. Admission is $5 adults; $3 seniors and students; free to members and children age five and under. For more information call 260.426.2882.

The following are the 2008 award winners:

Pre-K to 2nd Grade, Individual

1. Leila Niblick

2. Max Niblick

3. Madeline Cumbey

Pre-K to 2nd Grade, Group

1. Sydnee Fritz

2. Aiden and Emerson Gilman

3. Shelby and Brooke Richardson

3rd to 6th Grade, Individual

1. Robb Niblick

2. Ashley Guenin

3. C.J. Wood

 3rd to 6th Grade, Group

1. Central Christian School 6th Grade

2. Backyard Friends

3. Girl Scout Troop 20229

Teen, Individual

1. Leigh Flegge

2. Autumn Ault

3. Cody Wood

Teen, Group

1. The Disney Fanatics, Emily Hentz, Amy Krach, Amelia Erlandson, Kassandra Rodriguez, Samantha Rahrig, and Ali Krudap

2. Cailin Coulson and Greg Drews

3. Kyle Kemper and Josh LaRue

Adult, Individual

1. Caren Merz

2. Nicole Setser

3. Gretchen Andrus

Adult, Group

1. Cookie Friends, Debra Ann Sorg and Marilyn Scheumann

2. Creative Confections Cake Club

3. Girlfriends, Caren Merz

Family

1. Deniese Rickel and Marcia Leer

2. The Kromer Family

3. Nick and Alane Johnson

Professional

1. Carolyn Pruden

2. Girlfriends, Caren Merz

3. Vickie Short

4. Max Neal and James Graham

Historical Theme, Adult

Steve, Lori, Jacob and Andrew Scheele

Historical Theme, Student

Robb Niblick

Sponsor Award, WANE 15

Cookie Friends, Debra Ann Sorg and Marilyn Scheumann

Sponsor Award, 101.7 WLDE

Deniese Rickel and Marcia Leer

Congratulations to all the winners!!

History Center Receives Funds from City

Brides and grooms planning on having their wedding ceremony and/or reception at the History Center will be pleased to know that enhancements are coming. This gem in heart of downtown has received $1.2 million in funding from the city of Fort Wayne for interior and exterior improvements.

The History Center said the city allocated $1.2 million in Community Economic Development Income Tax (CEDIT) funds to the nonprofit to replace its heating, air-conditioning and ventilation system and stabilize and restore its exterior sandstone veneer. This allocation represents the largest single donation in the organization’s 87-year history, the History Center said in a statement.

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