For June we turn to Coming Together-the organizations, groups, places and shared experiences that bind people together and help to build local identity. This sense of community offers many appealing features of a broad societal relationship: safety, familiarity, support and loyalty, as well as a sense of appreciation. Neighborhoods, schools, hospitals, institutions, associations and organizations that provide support and enjoyment all meet our needs creating a community people can belong to.
From the earliest beginnings of Fort Wayne, citizens have joined together to meet the needs of the people. Early houses of worship brought people together who shared common beliefs in order to grow their faith. Schools educated our children to become contributing members of society-first through private and parochial schools and then free, public education. Hospitals provided deep commitment to the community, enhancing our health and well-being. Clubs and organizations provided meeting opportunities for like-minded individuals who supported community growth.
The people, history, values, characteristics and beliefs that make up Allen County provide a foundation for the core of our community. The journey we call life isn't always trouble-free, but it seems easier when we have people by our side to share the ride.
Be sure to visit our virtual exhibit page again in July to view the next installment of 200@200.
What is 200@200?
As Indiana embarked on its bicentennial anniversary and reflected on past challenges, successes, and opportunities, we too reflected on 200 years of our part of Indiana. How had Fort Wayne changed? What had we discovered? What would we take with us into the next century?
The 200@200 project was a celebration of Fort Wayne's legacy of progress throughout Indiana's 200 years of history. Using artifacts from the museum's collection of 28,000 objects, the History Center told 200 unique stories of Fort Wayne's role in the 200 years of Indiana's statehood throughout the 2016 bicentennial year. Each month highlighted a different historical theme and presented a collective mosaic of the community's shared past and present, commemorating the progress, growth, and creativity of the "Summit City." Each month's theme was featured in a virtual exhibit and in person at the History Center.
The History Center was honored to share that 200@200 had been endorsed by the Indiana Bicentennial Commission as an official Legacy Project. WANE served as the project's media sponsor.
