What we learned about Fort Wayne's public history

Hey Locals,

Thanks so much to everyone who came out on Tuesday night for our first Local Live event at the History Center. We had about 50 attendees, and we learned a lot of interesting facts and tidbits about local public history, ranging from geography and urban development to immigration and innovation. (Did you know Fort Wayne was instrumental to the invention of mechanical washing machines?)

Though by no means an exhaustive account of the city’s history, this event provided some insight into Fort Wayne’s evolution, and in today's newsletter, our panelists, Todd Pelfrey, John Beatty, and Randy Harter, are back to share more of their expertise in a recap and extended conversation, moderated by our reporter Rachel Horton.

Rachel: What is public history, and what does it mean to engage with our stories as a community?