Early bird registration ends June 15th - but the real question is: are you ready for everything Fort Wayne has to offer?
When we chose Fort Wayne for the 45th IAJGS International Conference on Jewish Genealogy, we knew we were doing something different. For years, our conferences have taken place in major metropolitan areas - London, New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Philadelphia. But Fort Wayne? This dynamic Midwestern city is proving that sometimes the best genealogical treasures are found in unexpected places.
And nowhere is this more evident than in the incredible array of tours and experiences we've curated specifically for our August 10-14 conference.
The Crown Jewel: A Private Lincoln Collection Tour (Already Sold Out!)
Let's start with what's already creating buzz: Dr. Gary Zola's private tour of the Lincoln Financial Foundation Collection at the Allen County Public Library. This exclusive experience sold out so quickly that we now have a waitlist.
Why the excitement? Dr. Zola, author of "We Called Him Rabbi Abraham: Lincoln and American Jewry, a Documentary History," will be sharing insights you literally cannot get anywhere else. The Lincoln Collection is an incomparable repository of Lincoln's life and legacy, and having a renowned scholar guide you through it? That's the kind of access that makes genealogists' hearts race.
If you're interested in joining the waitlist, don't hesitate - spots may still open up.
Free Experiences That Showcase Fort Wayne's Genealogical Goldmine
Allen County Public Library Genealogy Center Tours
Here's what many people don't realize: the Allen County Public Library Genealogy Center isn't just a genealogical research center - it's one of the largest family history research centers in the world. With over 1.2 million physical items, it's a treasure trove that's completely open and available to researchers.
We're offering nine guided tours on Sunday, August 10th, and they're completely free. These aren't just "walk around and look" tours - ACPL staff will show you exactly how to access their databases and make the most of your research time during the conference.
Pro tip: These tours are filling up fast because seasoned genealogists know the value of getting oriented before diving into research.
Art This Way Walking Tour
Fort Wayne's vibrant public art scene might surprise you. Led by Alex Hall, a passionate advocate for the arts, this walking tour reveals the murals, sculptures, and installations that tell the story of this evolving city. It's a perfect way to understand the cultural landscape that Jewish families encountered when they settled here.
Three time slots are available, it's completely free, but you do need to register in advance.
Worth Every Dollar: Premium Experiences
Fort Wayne Museum of Art Glass Collection Tour ($15)
This isn't just any art tour - it's a celebration of creativity from Jewish glass artists and donors. Your knowledgeable docent will share stories of influential Jewish artists, exploring themes of identity, tradition, and community that resonate in their works.
For just $15, you get expert guidance plus a discount in the museum gift shop. With only two time slots available, this intimate experience is perfect for those who appreciate the intersection of art and heritage.
TinCaps Baseball: A Conference Tradition Lives On ($15)
Here's something special: attending local baseball games has become an IAJGS Conference tradition, and we're continuing it in Fort Wayne! On Tuesday evening, August 12th, join fellow genealogists at Parkview Field for the TinCaps vs. West Michigan Whitecaps game.
The Fort Wayne TinCaps (Class A affiliate of the San Diego Padres) play at one of the premier minor league ballparks in the country. And the best part? Parkview Field is literally across the street from the Grand Wayne Convention Center. You can walk from your conference session to the ballpark!
At just $15 per person (reserve up to six tickets), it's an affordable way to bond with fellow attendees while experiencing authentic Fort Wayne culture.
The Fort Wayne Advantage: More Than You Expected
This is our first conference in a smaller, more affordable city, and the results are exceeding our expectations. Fort Wayne offers something unique: world-class genealogical resources, genuine Midwestern hospitality, and experiences tailored specifically for our community.
The Allen County Public Library alone justifies the trip - but when you add in the Lincoln Collection, the vibrant arts scene, and the community spirit of minor league baseball, you're looking at a conference experience that's both professionally enriching and personally memorable.
Don't Wait: Registration and Tours Are Filling Up
If you're already registered for the conference, you can add any of these experiences through the Attendee Service Center. Just log in and select "Computer Workshops - Tours and Additional Events" from the pull-down menu.
If you haven't registered yet, early bird pricing ends June 15th - that's less than a week away. These tours are just a preview of what makes Fort Wayne special for genealogists.
Questions about registration? Just email use at info@iajgs2025.org. We are happy to help.
The Bottom Line
Fort Wayne is proving that sometimes the most memorable conference experiences happen in unexpected places. From world-renowned genealogical collections to authentic local culture, from free educational tours to affordable premium experiences, this conference is shaping up to be uniquely special.
As one sold-out tour already proves, word is getting out about what Fort Wayne has to offer. The question is: will you be part of the story?
Register now for early bird pricing - and don't forget to add those tours while spots are still available.
The 45th IAJGS International Conference on Jewish Genealogy:
"And We Settled Here... The Jewish Journey"
August 10-14, 2025 | Fort Wayne, Indiana
Early bird registration ends June 15, 2025
