Fort Wayne, Ind.- The City of Fort Wayne is celebrating National Historic Preservation Month throughout the month of May. 

 

The Historic Preservation staff will focus on historic place-savers who pour their time, energy, and resources into protecting places they care about. They will spotlight local historic districts and the stewards in our community who are doing the vital work of saving places and building community through preservation.

The Fort Wayne Neighborhoods Facebook page and https://engage.cityoffortwayne.org/preservation-month-2024-people-saving-places will share facts and photos about historic buildings and places across the city and feature the champions who are investing in them. Residents are also encouraged to share current photos of landmark buildings or culturally significant places that are at least 50 years in age. Share a photo, location, and a brief statement acknowledging the work done and why the building or place is important to you on your social media accounts using the hashtag #HPFW24.

“Historic Preservation and preservation of historic buildings, places, and culture is about people,” said Creager Smith, Historic Preservation Planner for the City of Fort Wayne. “Active and engaged people maintain and preserve our history, culture, and neighborhoods for future generations of Fort Wayne residents. Preservation is about our future; it doesn’t prevent changes, it manages change so the story of our built environment will remain and enrich the community.”

Residents can also celebrate the month by exploring some of the city’s historic neighborhoods.  The Historic Preservation staff has produced a number of walking tour brochures of historic districts throughout the city, including brochures for The Landing and historic buildings in the downtown area. These brochures are available at Visit Fort Wayne, the Community Development office, and may be downloaded from the City’s Historic Preservation website at www.CityofFortWayne.org/preservation.

The City’s Historic Preservation staff and the Historic Preservation Commission work to strengthen the City’s historic resources through preservation and heritage development. The Historic Preservation program offers a range of assistance to help property owners and neighborhoods recognize historic properties.  Technical assistance is also available to assist property owners in maintaining or recapturing the historic character of their properties.

Residents are encouraged to visit www.CityofFortWayne.org/Preservation for more information.