

NORTHEAST INDIANA – As part of its growing rail tourism initiative, the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society has hired its second full-time employee: non-profit leader and project engineer Matt Martini, who will serve as the organization’s new Railroad Mechanical Specialist.
The Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society, Inc. has significantly expanded its excursion, preservation, educational, and public outreach programs in recent years through the launch of the Indiana Rail Experience — a 100-mile rail tourism attraction operated in partnership with the Indiana Northeastern Railroad. This rapid growth has included the expansion of its vintage passenger car fleet and a dramatic increase in restoration activity. Since 2022, the organization has restored six pieces of historic passenger equipment, acquired three fully operable cars, and assembled a growing roster of eight additional cars awaiting future restoration, laying the foundation for one of the most impressive and capable heritage fleets in the Midwest.
To support this momentum, the organization created the position of Railroad Mechanical Specialist to lead the preservation, maintenance, and mechanical care of its historic rolling stock and facilities. Martini’s new role consolidates responsibilities previously shared among dedicated contractors and volunteers, providing full-time leadership while continuing to collaborate with the organization’s steadfast volunteer corps.
“Matt has been an adept and capable non-profit partner for our organization for several years,” said Kelly Lynch, Executive Director. “His love of history, technical acumen, and passion for public education and preservation make him a natural fit as we sought a full-time steward for our passenger car fleet and restoration efforts.”
Martini brings a diverse background in industrial tool-building, petrochemical work, electrical contracting, and design-build construction. He is also the founder of Lauer Farms 1944, a World War II living history experience based in Lima, Ohio. Inspired by his family’s connections to both the Pacific and European theaters of the war, Martini created Lauer Farms to honor that legacy, and through that endeavor, he gained a deep appreciation for the Lima Locomotive Works, builder of the Fort Wayne Railroad’s iconic steam locomotive, Nickel Plate Road no. 765.
Lauer Farms and the Fort Wayne Railroad have previously collaborated on major living history events in 2022 and 2024, drawing more than 6,000 visitors to the region across two weekends. Lauer Farms’ flagship events each fall regularly attract over 360 reenactors from 27 states and two countries, along with more than 1,500 public attendees.
Funding for the new role has been made possible through the Fort Wayne Railroad’s new Passenger Car Maintenance Fund — an investment trust established by the Indianapolis Foundation and the David Donoho Fund. This dedicated resource supports the restoration, care, and ongoing maintenance of the organization’s existing passenger car fleet.