Community Spotlight: Cincinnati Fire Museum

Representing the most comprehensive firefighting history in the United States, the Cincinnati Fire Museum is a great place to go for a day of fun and a dose of history with the entire family. The museum has precious artifacts from the different eras of firefighting-including authentic first-run leather fire buckets from the early 1800s and the 1816 Hunneman Fire Engine.

So, if you're around the area, get out and support the birthplace of the first paid professional fire department in the United States, which opened in Cincinnati in 1853 and revolutionized American firefighting.  

Exhibits

Firefighting History

This exhibit will take you from the late 1700s all the way to the last decade of firefighting in Cincinnati. You'll go on a walk through time and learn about the humble community beginnings of firefighting, including the first recorded fire in 1794 and legislative response in 1802, which required homeowners and renters to own a black leather fire bucket inscribed initials.

There is a guided children's tour through the museum that takes approximately 30 minutes from start to finish. All you have to do is call ahead to schedule a visit! If your family would rather take their time, feel free to geek out during the immersive and approximately 60-minute self-guided walk through at any time.

The Modern Era Collection (1913-Present)

Within the museum, there is The Safe House, where a visitor can experience a simulated home fire. What's really special about this exhibit is the hands-on nature that teaches the basics of fire-prevention as well as escape measures in the chance of a fire at home.

In addition, the collection illuminates the importance of sitting down with the family to create a fire plan, all while providing a fun environment to learn about the history of modern firefighting practices.

Event Space

Whether you're throwing a birthday party, business party, or wedding, you can rent out the second floor, which accommodates up to 110 people. And if you need more space, you can rent out the entire museum-with a maximum occupancy of 500 people-for the duration of your event!

Visit the Cincinnati Fire Museum on Your Next Drive!

We hope you enjoyed learning about the amazing historical contributions that multiple generations of Cincinnati firefighters have made to United States firefighting on the whole. From innovators and lawmakers to the men and women on the front lines, Cincinnati has an expansive history of its firefighting practices. When you have the chance, we implore you to take a day to see the many historically informative exhibits and artifacts the Cincinnati Fire Museum has to offer.

Click over to their Facebook page for more information such as hours and upcoming events such as the Gold Star ChiliFest!

Gold Star ChiliFest