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The mission of the Fire Museum of Maryland is to "collect, preserve, display and interpret historically significant apparatus and related artifacts, memorabilia and records of the fire service of the United States, and to educate the public about the history, people, equipment and techniques of the fire service, and about fire prevention and safety.
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The Fire Museum of Maryland opened in 1971 as a private, non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation. It ranks as one of the finest fire fighting museums in the United States, and displays apparatus from 1806 to 1957.
As an educational institution, the Fire Museum provides a variety of special events for children, fire fighters, and interested adults that introduces them to the history of fire fighting, antique fire apparatus and how it was used, and related memorabilia.
Over fifty rigs are on display, and are complemented by a broad range of special exhibits. These include a working fire alarm telegraph system, badge and uniform displays, and Baltimore’s High Pressure Pumping System.
Through a variety of exhibits and audio-visual programs, the history of fire fighting is told. Videos on hand-drawn apparatus, the 1904 Baltimore fire, fire prevention, and technical subjects provide a diverse learning experience.
Engine Co. #8 Facade Restoration
In 2005, the Museum received a grant from Preservation Maryland to start restoration of cast-iron facade elements from Baltimore's Engine Co. #8. The doorway serves as the entry into the 'Life of the Fireman' exhibit.
Drawn by Century Engineering
The Great Baltimore Fire of 1904
A fire alarm sounded several minutes before 11 on a Sunday morning at the John E. Hurst Building, a wholesale dry goods house which stood on the south side of German Street at Liberty in the heart of Baltimore’s business district. It was followed by a mighty explosion which blew out the walls of the building, scattering burning embers in all directions. The raging Baltimore Fire of February 7, 1904 was underway. Nearly 36 hours later it was finally brought under control.
Seventy-two fire companies fought the blaze, 38 of them from Philadelphia, New York City, Harrisburg, West Chester, Wilmington, Washington; even as far away as Altoona, PA. National Guard troops from Washington and Philadelphia helped Baltimore Police guard the destruction left in the wake of the fire, protecting against looting. The task of cleaning up the debris was handled by hundred of volunteers who witnessed the fire and offered their help.
Total losses from the fire’s wrath were estimated at more than $150,000,000, a huge sum 85 years ago!
In order to better understand the sights and sounds of the Fire, the Museum has prepared an audio walking tour (25 min.) available of Museum’s Great Baltimore Fire Exhibit. Learn about the Fire and what happened through the eyes of Chief George Horton, the fire fighters who fought it and residents as they watched the city burn.
Click here for more details surrounding the fire.
Engine 7
Truck 11 Doors
North Ave., Baltimore
Spring-loaded mechanism allowed for button to be pushed and doors to spring open for horses to be hitched to steamer and leave quickly.
High Pressure Exhibit
FUTURE EXHIBITS
Alarm Office
The Museum has comprehensive working fire alarm telegraph exhibit available throughout building. Future plans call for upgrading the telegraph system to include more recent fire department technology.
2010
February 7 1-4:30pm
Great Baltimore Fire Tour
Follow Wayne Schaumburg on an exciting
bus trip and slide show of the route of the 1904 Fire.
May 1 10am-2pm
Opening Day & 32nd Annual Steam Show
Display of hand- and horse-drawn apparatus, operating steam-driven engines; horses; hose carts and carriages; models; kids contests; food vendor
July 10 11am-3pm
Antique Car Show
September 11 10am -2pm
"Cruisin' For Our Heroes"
Antique motor fire engine muster & carshow, in conjunction with the Baltimore County Sheriff's AnnualSalute to County Fire, Police, EMS & Military Personnel for all they do for the County. Includes equipment demonstrations, fire engine rides, police/flea market, food vendor, kids activities, and more.
October 30 6-8 pm
Lantern Night
See fire apparatus in a new light: etched glass signal lamps and kerosene lanterns...also visit with staff in period attire. Wear your Halloween Costume & get in for Half-Price.
November 27
Opening of Holiday Train Garden & Photo Opportunity with Santa
December 4, 11, 18, 26-29
Holiday Train Garden
NOTE: The Museum is open 10am-4pm; specific hours for events are listed with individual dates.
Wheeled Apparatus
Fire Gear
Archives
Fire Equipment
Click here for Curator's list
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