Boston Fire Museum
The official museum dedicated to the history of America’s first and oldest professional fire department.
Operated by the Boston Sparks Association since 1983.
Step through the door of the historic firehouse at 344 Congress Street and onto the apparatus bay floor that now houses a museum dedicated to the history of the nation’s first and oldest professional fire department. Featuring historic artifacts, interactive exhibits, and plenty of educational opportunities, this museum offers a glimpse into the past that is both inspiring and unforgettable.
Conveniently located between and within walking distance of Boston’s Financial District and the popular Seaport District, the museum is a must-see for history buffs, fire service enthusiasts, and children of all ages.
344 Congress Street, South Boston
Open Saturdays 10am–4pm • Free Admission
What You’ll See at the Museum
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—Built in 1891 to house Engine Companies 38 and 39
—Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1987
—Still contains working telegraph fire alarm bell and tape register connected to an active circuit on the City’s telegraph fire alarm system
—Museum displays a hand-made, scale cutaway model of the building as it appeared in the early 20th century
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—“Hand Tub” water pumper built in 1792 by an apprentice to Paul Revere
—“Hand Tub” water pumper built in 1851 and used by the former City of Charlestown (prior to annexation by Boston)
—1882 steam engine (former Boston Fire Engine 26 / Engine 50 / Engine 38)
—1926 American la France pumper (of Horseheads, New York; resembles former Boston Fire Engine 38)
—1948 Mack Type 85 pumper (former Boston Fire Engine 40 / Engine 5)
—Our in-service A-10 incident support unit response vehicles are also on display at the museum when not deployed at an emergency scene.
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—Pull the hook on a telegraph fire alarm box, and look inside to see how it works
—Dial the box number into a vintage alarm transmitter to simulate “striking the box” to all of the City firehouses
—Search the firehouse run cards to determine which Companies are on the assignment
—Search the City fire alarm map book to determine where the box is located
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—Fire helmet collection of Arthur Fiedler, Boston Pops conductor 1929–1979
—Firehouse log book from 1914
—Matching set of green leather fire buckets from 1829
—Scale models of fireboat engine 44
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—Great Molasses Flood of 1919
—Cocoanut Grove Nightclub Fire of 1942 (second-deadliest building fire in the United States)
—Firefighters Memorial corner, spotlighting firefighters who died in the line of duty in the City of Boston
And much more!
