Explore Fireman’s Hall Museum in Philadelphia

Firefighters have a long history of running into burning buildings to save people. The men and women firefighters of Philadelphia are no different. The Fireman’s Hall Museum shares vintage artifacts, vehicles and history to honor those who have served – and continue to serve – the communities.

While you’re exploring the many historical sites in Philadelphia, plan to spend some time at the Fireman’s Hall Museum. There is no admission fee, and it’s fun to explore some of the history of firefighting over the decades. They also seek to educate the public on fire safety, so you can use your visit as a learning opportunity for your family.

COVID-19 UPDATE: The museum is open as of March 2. Advanced, online reservations for entrance time are required. You’re required to wear a mask during your entire visit.

Getting to Fireman’s Hall Museum

Fireman’s Hall Museum is about a half mile east of Independence Mall and the National Constitution Center near downtown Philadelphia. It’s a long, narrow building on the corner of Quarry Street and North Second Street. The front of the building, which looks like your typical fire station with big doors, is on N 2nd Street. But the entrance is down Quarry Street.

I was a little confused my first time there, because I wasn’t sure where to enter. A delivery truck was parked on Quarry Street by the museum entrance, but once I noticed the sign down the street, I was in.

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If you’re driving, there is parking available nearby at Old City Parkominium (231 N 2nd St). If you bring your ticket stub to the museum, they can provide you a discount on your parking.

DID YOU KNOW that Benjamin Franklin founded the first volunteer fire company in 1736? It was called The Union Fire Company. You can learn all about Benjamin Franklin during your visit to Philadelphia by visiting the Benjamin Franklin Museum nearby.

Artifacts on Display at the Museum

The first thing you’ll probably notice about the museum are the vintage fire trucks. They are pretty sweet. And what kid doesn’t love a cool-looking firetruck. Although more modern firetrucks are engine-powered vehicles, back in the day they were horse-drawn carts. Boy how things have changed over the years.

Beyond the obvious firetrucks, there’s also gear and tools used by the firefighters. It’s interesting to see some of the hats worn by firefighters in the early days. Some looked more like Abraham Lincoln’s top hat. Were those worn more for show than protection? Nowadays, I’m pretty sure the hats they wear are for protection. And of course, you’ll find the hoses and axes used by the firefighters, too.

While most of the firefighting glory goes to those who were out in the field, I appreciate that the museum includes artifacts found in the actual fire stations. I found a vintage phone (like the crank phone used in Mary Poppins to summons the police when Jane and Michael go missing). An old fire bell and a fire alarm box are on display as well.

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Don’t rush through your visit. Take the time to read the little cards that are there, describing the purpose of the artifact. You may learn something.

Exploring the Second Floor of Fireman’s Hall Museum

I didn’t get to explore the second floor of the museum. People can rent out or reserve the area on the second floor for corporate events, holiday parties, or team building events. The caterers were setting up everything for a party later that evening, so I wasn’t able to head up the stairs.

Volunteers at the museum are passionate about fire prevention and safety. They use the Blue Room to help teach kids what they can do to prevent fires, but also how to respond if there is a fire. The comic book murals on the wall are a great tool to help reach kids on their level.

Fighting fires is dangerous. Sadly, some of the brave men and women in the field have lost their lives. An area on the second floor honors those who lost their lives in the line of duty. A beautiful stained class window and a display lists all the firefighters – both paid and volunteer – who lost their lives since the Philadelphia Fire Department began in 1871.

Use Your Smartphone to Hear Stories

Stories are what make museums powerful. If you’ve got your smartphone with you, be sure and use it to scan the QR codes you’ll see around the museum. The QR code links you to a YouTube video with members from the Philadelphia Fire Department sharing information or stories about the artifact you’re looking at. It’s another way to learn more about the history the museum has to offer.

Before you leave, take a moment to visit the gift shop. You can buy models of firetrucks, or something as simple as patches from various fire departments in the area. If you’re into Challenge Coins, they have those, too.

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Before heading out the door and on to your next locations, be sure and leave a little donation for them. Although admission is free, the donations help them continue their purpose of sharing history and educating others about fire safety and prevention.

The Details

Address: 147 N 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106

Cost: Admission is free and donations are appreciated.

Hours: Open Tuesday-Saturday, 10-4 p.m. The museum is open until 9 p.m. on the first Friday of every month.

Website: https://www.firemanshallmuseum.org/

Phone: (215) 923-1438

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