About this venue
Built in 1893, the former city hall of Fort Wayne is a beautiful example of Richardsonian Romanesque architecture. As a museum and a historic building, the History Center has a unique character of its own for you and your guests to explore. Travel through time and learn about the history of Allen County and Fort Wayne through the museum’s fascinating exhibits. The History Center has three rooms available to rent, making it the perfect location for any event. The Shields Room is the centerpiece of the museum. It is the former City Council Chamber and Courtroom. Its features include golden oak paneling, a grand chandelier, large windows with expansive city views, and the restored 22-foot ceiling decorated in rich colors and 24kt gold-leaf stencils. You and your guests may ascend the Grand Staircase or use the elevator to reach the room’s second floor entrance. Two smaller rooms, the Board Room and the Orientation Room, are also available to accommodate small gatherings.
Our event spaces
- Shields Room
- Board Room
- Slane Rotating Gallery
- Barr Street Market
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Available services that can be provided by The History Center
Services & amenities
- Event coordinator
- Event rentals
- Wheelchair accessible
Transportation & access
- Self parking - free
- Wheelchair accessible
Rentals
- Standard Chairs
We are at our busiest from September through December. Please email events@fwhistorycenter.org to receive date information.
Alcohol MUST be brought, handled, and served by a business with a valid portable liquor license that allows them to cater in various venues. This is NOT simply a bartending license. If alcohol is served, additional charges apply to provide security for the safety of guests and staff. Please email events@fwhistorycenter.org to receive more information.
Yes, we have limited spaces available in the lot next to the History Center. They are marked with signs reading “Museum Guest Parking Only.” Once these spots are filled, guests are responsible for finding other downtown parking. There are nearby garages, and several meters are located on Berry and Barr alongside the building. Downtown parking is free on most weekends, but please check ahead of time with the city about parking charges and any events that may limit parking downtown. You are responsible for informing your guests, and the History Center is not liable for tickets issued by the city due to illegal parking.
Yes, all of our facilities are wheelchair accessible except for the Old City Jail, as the elevator does not go below the ground floor. Please email events@fwhistorycenter.org to receive more information.
Our rentals are all on a pay-per-hour schedule. This includes scheduling times for setup and teardown. Each rental has a minimum requirement of 2 hours (some exceptions apply). Please email events@fwhistorycenter.org to receive more information.
We allow any caterer with a valid food handling/serving license. Once you schedule your caterer, the History Center events/program coordinator must receive a copy of the business’s license to confirm validity. Homemade food is not permitted; the only exception would be for a wedding cake. Please email events@fwhistorycenter.org to receive more information.
There may be additional charges on top of the per hour rental fees. Please contact our events/program coordinator at events@fwhistorycenter.org to get information.
We are approximately a 25 minute drive from Fort Wayne International Airport, depending on downtown Fort Wayne traffic. Please email events@fwhistorycenter.org to receive more information.
CONTACT US! We ONLY answer rental inquiries by email, phone, or in-person meeting. We are currently unable to respond via Zola, but by contacting our Program Coordinator by phone or email, you will receive a reply ASAP. Email: events@fwhistorycenter.org OR programs@fwhistorycenter.org Phone: (260) 426-2882 ext. 308 Address: 302 E Berry Street, Fort Wayne, IN 46802
No, we do not provide any linens or decoration items. Please email events@fwhistorycenter.org to receive more information.
No, our venue is fully insured. You do not need to get insurance for the event if you do not wish to. Please email events@fwhistorycenter.org to receive more information.
If the event is rescheduled 61 or more days prior to the event, an additional rescheduling fee of 25% of the full rental fee will be charged. If the event is scheduled fewer than 60 days prior to the event, an additional rescheduling fee of 50% of the full rental fee will be charged. If the event is canceled 61 or more days prior to the event, the deposit is forfeited. If the event is canceled fewer than 60 days prior to the event, the deposit is forfeited and the full balance is due. Please email events@fwhistorycenter.org to receive more information.
All indoor History Center rentals include complimentary padded folding chairs. 60" round banquet tables are available for rent at $5 per table, and each table can seat up to 8 people. Rectangular banquet tables (6' and 8' lengths) are available for no additional charge by request, though quantities are limited, so we recommend reserving those for catering, head tables, gift tables, meeting setups, etc. Small cocktail tables are also available at no charge. We typically have between 5-7 available. Piping can be rented at $10 per unit (roughly 5'-10') for draperies. Please email events@fwhistorycenter.org to receive more information.
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