Fireman's Hall Museum, Philadelphia

About Fireman's Hall Museum

Fireman's Hall Museum occupies a restored 1902 firehouse in Philadelphia's historic Old City neighborhood and preserves the city's firefighting heritage through artifacts, archives, and interactive exhibits. Visitors explore hand-drawn, horse-drawn, and motorized fire apparatus spanning different eras. The museum displays a large stained glass memorial to Philadelphia firefighters who died in the line of duty and features the country's first 9/11 exhibit honoring firefighters lost that day. Additional exhibits cover Franklin's Volunteers, Philadelphia's early fire companies founded by Benjamin Franklin in 1736, and fire marks from early property insurance days. Interactive activities include trying on fire coats and boots, steering a fire boat with video of the Independence, and playing a computer quiz about when to call 911. The museum also presents interviews with the Valiants about the segregated department's history. General admission is free, and group tours are available by advance arrangement. The museum serves families, history enthusiasts, and school groups interested in Philadelphia's firefighting legacy.