About historic Fort Wayne Coalition

The Historic Fort Wayne Coalition was formed in 2004 as a group of individuals from all walks of life that share one common goal - to be a positive force for the restoration and promotion of Historic Fort Wayne. In 2007 the Coalition was awarded 501(c)(3) non-profit status by the IRS.  Currently, we work side by side with the City of Detroit Recreation Department, Friends of Fort Wayne, Colonial Dames in the State of Michigan, the Detroit Historical Society, Tuskegee Airmen and other groups. From these working relationships the Coalition is able to determine in which areas of restoration or promotion we can assist.

Coalition members help Historic Fort Wayne in many ways.  Members work on the Fort grounds, planning and hosting events, or providing special and regular tours. We have standing committees that work on grounds and restoration projects throughout the year. The Grounds Committee assists in maintaining the grass cutting, tree and scrub maintenance, general cleaning of the parking areas and roads. Our Projects Committee is working on construction projects surrounding the commanding officers house, Spanish American War Era Guard house, Blacksmith Shop and the 1848 Limestone Barracks.  These very necessary projects are completed during our monthly workday that all members are welcome to attend.  Some members also meet during the week to continue their specific projects and share camaraderie.  Be sure to check out some of the current and past projects in the Restoration and Preservation section.

The work done in the restoration and maintenance pays off when members who are living historians join their fellow re-enactors for Coalition sponsored events. These events are held throughout the year, though predominately during the summer months. With the help of these living historians, members of the general public are treated to a small glimpse of how the Fort looked during different eras of its use. At certain times visitors to the Fort will be treated to several looks at life during the American Civil War, the Spanish American War, World Wars I and II and Vietnam. They will also have the opportunity to see some of the uniforms and traditions of the men and women who served in other countries armed forces, specifically those of British and Prussian armies. It is through these efforts of our living historians (and many others behind the scenes) that we help bring the Fort to life and better tell the story of the people who went through Historic Fort Wayne to serve the United States of America. Find out when these events happen by going to our Events Calendar page.

We are also active in the fundraising efforts to support the education and restoration. We do this through product sales, membership dues and working with other organizations to bring their support to the Fort. Click on our Donors Recognition page to meet some of the people, organizations and corporations who share our vision and have provided financial support. Member dues help sustain the organization as well as promote our other on-site and media efforts.

The Coalition holds Membership meetings usually in conjunction with our scheduled workdays at Historic Fort Wayne. Membership in our Organization allows you to assist in working at this historical site. The Coalition is determined to keep the history of Fort Wayne open to the public so they can come and enjoy this site in safe manner. If you share the same interest in helping this military history gem, please go the Get Involved page. There is much to be done and your support is greatly appreciated.

The HFWC is led by a seven person Executive Board who serve two-year terms.  Any member in good standing of the organization is welcome to run for office. 

Meet the Executive Board

Two of the standing committees are our Projects and Grounds Committees.  These committees spend considerable personal time organizing and preparing the work to be done on workdays. It is through their efforts that we get much more done to help the Fort.

Meet the Grounds Committee
Meet the Projects Committee

Interested in the foundation the Historic Fort Wayne Coalition is built on?  View our Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws here.