Your Guide to the Boston Fire Museum
Boston is riddled with history. It’s been coined as “The Cradle of Liberty” because of its role in the early days of the American Revolution. But if you’re looking for a different type of historical museum, then the Boston Fire Museum should be on your list.
Here’s what you need to know about the Boston Fire Museum as you plan your visit to Bean Town.
Getting to the Boston Fire Museum
If you’re staying in Boston, you’d be better off to use the metro, a taxi, an Uber or another form of transportation to get to the museum. Parking in and around the museum can be unpredictable and/or expensive. There is the Farnsworth Parking Garage behind the museum; but they only accept credit cards.
The closest T stop (i.e., metro stop) is South Station via the Red Line, and the museum is about a 1/2 mile away. From South Station, head east across the Summer Street bridge. You’ll notice the road is about two stories above the streets below, so find a stairway down to the ground level and head north to Congress Street. The Boston Fire Museum is on the corner of Congress and Farnsworth.
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The downside to the Boston Fire Museum are the hours of operation. It’s only open on Fridays from 5 to 8 p.m., and on Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. So if your plans don’t allow for a weekend visit to Boston, then a visit to the Boston Fire Museum can’t land on your itinerary.
What’s on Display Inside the Museum
Once inside, you’re free to wander throughout the museum. You’ll find historical artifacts, photographs, fire trucks and other firefighting equipment. I really enjoyed seeing the evolution of firefighting equipment and firetrucks. From the fire buckets used in the 1700s to fight fires in Boston, to the more common firetrucks with nozzles mounted on top to spray water.
The Ephraim Thayer Pumper is from 1793 (pictured above), and the Amoskeag Steam Pumper is from 1880 (pictured below). One of the elements of the museum my kids would’ve loved was to sit in the driver’s seat of the American LaFrance triple combination firetruck. It’s got Engine 38 painted on the hood, and you’ll find it near the back of the museum.
Along the rafters, you’ll see helmets from all over. Along some of the displays on the walls you’ll find helmets from all over the world. It’s cool to see what other helmets look like from different eras and countries, so try to find a helmet from your favorite country.
You’ll also find mounted circuit boards, fire hose nozzles, model firetrucks and so much more. At the gift shop, grab a Boston Fire patch or challenge coin. Or pick up a Boston Fire Dept. shirt for the kids back home.
Other Activities Offered at the Museum
One of the things I missed at the Boston Fire Museum was seeing Sparky. He’s the dalmatian who serves as the honorary mascot for the station. I was told he would be there later in the day, but I wasn’t able to hang around long enough to see him.
If you’re looking for a special way to celebration a birthday party, you can rent out the second floor of the fire station to host a party. There’s room for up to 80 people. The Boston Fire Museum has put together a party-planning resource for those interested in hosting their kid’s party at the fire house.
The museum is operated by volunteers. Near the door is a fireman’s boot where they accept donations that support the upkeep of the museum itself. Before you leave, drop a tip into the boot.
Find other activities in and around Boston, including the Freedom Trail, Museum of Science, John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and more. If you’re wondering how to properly eat a Boston Kreme Donut, I’ve got your guide for that, too. 😉
The Details
Address: 344 Congress Street, Boston, MA 02120
Cost: Admission to the Boston Fire Museum is free. Donations are accepted.
Hours: Open on Fridays, from 5 to 8 p.m., and on Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Schedule a group tour during the week via email: info@bostonfiremuseum.com
How Long: 15 minutes to an hour, depending on how much history you want to read and how long you want to explore the artifacts.
Website: https://www.bostonfiremuseum.com/
Phone: 617-338-9700
Thank you for your excellent review of the Boston Fire Museum.
Dan O’Neill
Fire Museum Guide
You are welcome. It’s a wonderful museum. Thank you for all you and your team does to keep the museum running. And a thank you to all the firefighters who serve to keep us safe.