Historic Fort Wayne opens for the season the weekend of May 5 - 6 at 6325 W. Jefferson (at the foot of Livernois) with a Veterans' Appreciation Day (Saturday) and Living History Day (Sunday).
The hours for the events are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday. The weekend is presented by the Historic Fort Wayne Coalition.
Historic Fort Wayne supported "the Greatest Generation" during World War II as part of the "Arsenal of Democracy" The Fort complex also served as an induction center for troops fighting in World War II between 1941 and 1945 and in the Vietnam Conflict between 1961-1971.
On Saturday, the Veterans' Appreciation Day will feature World War II and Vietnam camps and battle re-enactments, military vehicles, and talks given by veterans of World War II, the Korean Conflict, the Vietnam War, Gulf War, Iraq War and Afghanistan conflicts. Visitors can meet veterans and hear them recount stories from their military service. You can also see equipment and vehicles that were so important to the war effort, visit World War II-era camps of both Allied and German soldiers and stop by a USO Cantina. In addition, there will be re-enactments of World War II and Vietnam battles. Finally, you can view a "Home Front Exhibit," featuring historic collections from both the Detroit Historical Society and private collectors.
On Saturday evening, there will be a USO Swing Dance fundraiser from 6:30 - 10 p.m. featuring the Dearborn Big Band. Tickets are $20 for individuals and $35 for couples in advance and $10 for Historic Fort Wayne Coalition members. Period dress is optional, and prizes will be awarded for the best dressed male, female and couple. Dance instruction will also be available during the evening between 7 and 8 p.m. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Historic Fort Wayne Coalition, and advance tickets are available at https://www.historicfortwaynecoalition.com/
On Sunday, enjoy our Living History Day featuring living historians from a variety of areas all over the fort grounds.
Secured parking is free. Admission is $5 for adults and free for children under 12. Guided tours of the Historic Fort Wayne complex will also be offered each day priced at $5 for adults and free for children under 12. The guided tours will include the Star Fort and barracks built in the 1840s, as well as the Spanish-American War Guard House.
The Fort's regular hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday each weekend now through Sunday, October 28. Parking and admission are free, except for selected special events.
Visit the Fort during the following special weekends in 2018:
Vintage Base Ball Tournament, May 19-20;
Civil War Days, June 9-10;
Medieval Days, July 14-15;
Fall Flea Market, October 13-14.
In addition, the popular "Tours After Dark" series returns on the following Saturdays: June 16, July 21, August 18, September 8, September 29, October 6, October 20 and October 27. For more information on any of these special events and activities at Historic Fort Wayne this year or to make reservations for the Tours After Dark before they sell out, https://www.historicfortwaynecoalition.com/
