Need To Know: Historic Fort Wayne Opens For Visits

DETROIT, MI — If you have a flare for history and reliving the past, get ready for the Historic Fort Wayne to open for visits.

Historic Fort Wayne opens for the season the weekend of May 4 - 5 at 6325 W. Jefferson (at the foot of Livernois) with a Military Living History Weekend. The hours for the events are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 9 a.m. to 4 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.

The weekend 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, and the Vietnam War. Visitors can meet veterans and hear them recount stories from their military service. You can also see equipment and more than 20 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 battles. Finally, you can view a “Home Front Exhibit,” featuring historic collections from private collectors.

In addition, the Michigan Vietnam Veteran Traveling Memorial from the Vietnam Veterans of America Macomb County Chapter 154 will be set up all weekend, and University of Detroit Mercy history professor Dr. Gregory Sumner will be discussing and signing copies of his new book Michigan’s POW Camps During World War II both days.

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 prize and 50/50 raffles are also scheduled. Dance instruction will also be available during the evening between 7 and 8 p.m. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Coalition, and advance tickets are available at www.historicfortwaynecoalition.com/spring_swing_dance.html. Tickets will also be sold at the door. Guest are also welcome to bring donations for Veterans Administration Hospital care packages. Suggested items include slippers, socks, toiletries, books and crossword puzzles, and all donors will receive a special thank you from Historic Fort Wayne.

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 27. Parking and admission are free, except for selected special events.

Visit the Fort during the following special weekends in 2019:

· Civil War Days, June 8-9;

· Colonial Days, June 22-23

· Medieval Days, July 13-14;

· Historic Fort Wayne Motor Show and Detroit Firemen’s Field Day, August 11;

· Fall Antiques & Collectibles Market, October 12-13.

In addition, the popular “Tours After Dark” series returns on selected Saturdays starting in June. 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, visit www.historicfortwaynecoalition.com.

About the Historic Fort Wayne

The Historic Fort Wayne Coalition is dedicated to preserving the history of Michigan men and women who served their country between 1845 and 1973 who either sent material to or personally passed through Historic Fort Wayne as a place of induction to United States military service. They help the Fort’s caretakers, the City of Detroit Parks & Recreation Division with this effort in two major ways. First, they present high quality events that provide ways for the public to enjoy Historic Fort Wayne and see glimpses of how it would have looked when it was garrisoned. They also preserve and restore as many of the structures and facilities as possible on the Fort grounds.

Built in 1845, Fort Wayne was strategically located to guard and protect the Detroit River during a period of tension with the British. Once that threat diminished, the Fort’s role changed to an U.S. Army induction and training center. During World War II, the Fort served as the primary motor vehicle procurement and parts depot for the Allied war effort throughout the world. After 1945, the Fort continued as an induction center for troops during the Korean and Vietnam conflicts. In 1948, the Army began decommissioning buildings and transferring them to the City of Detroit Historical Department. In the 1970s, Historic Fort Wayne opened to the public as a multifaceted attraction with exhibits, outdoor programs and special events.