Allen County Museum

& Historical Society

 

Fund raising efforts to expand and renovate the Allen County Museum facility began in 2002.  The goal was to double the size of the facility and renovate the original 1956 part of the building.  A charette was held to obtain public input and from there an exciting and dynamic design emerged.

If you would like more information about how you can support the Campaign to Move Our Past Forward, please contact Patricia Smith, Director, Allen County Museum, at 419-222-9426.

Phase I


Phase I of the Campaign to move our Past Forward was completed in 2007.  It renovated and added more than 15,000 square feet to the Museum.  Included in Phase I was:


  1. • The Henry & Beverly Hawk Children's Discovery Center

  2. • The Linda Miller Memorial Gift Shop

  3. • The Dunlap Collections Center

  4. • New entrance and lobby

  5. • New restrooms

  6. • A classroom

  7. • John H. Keller Railroad Archives

Phase II


Construction on Phase II was completed in the early Fall of 2010.  The dedication and opening is planned for November 14, 2010 at 2 PM.  Phase II added more than 13,000 square feet to the Museum.  Included in Phase II is:


  1. • The Shay Locomotive exhibit

  2. • Changing gallery

  3. • Transportation gallery

  4. • Business & Industry exhibits

  5. • Military exhibits

  6. • New restrooms




Phase III


The final part of the Campaign to Move Our Past Forward will be the renovation of the 1956 portion of the building.  Fund raising for Phase III will begin commensurate with the recovery of the economy.  Phase III will:


  1. • Renovate 22,000 square feet

  2. • Upgrade electrical, mechanical, and plumbing systems

  3. • Expand the archives storage area

  4. • Make needed repairs to the exterior of the facility

  5. • Update current gallery spaces