Where's the Fire? A Journey Through American Firefighting

Journey through the history of firefighting in America! This exhibition will explore firefighting from the American Revolution through the late 19th Century through a variety of remarkable objects from the collections of the National Museum of American History. Highlighting an impressive collection of model fire trucks, the exhibition will also include historic firefighting equipment: buckets, helmets, trumpets, parade hats, and more. Learn what role firemen – from early volunteer firefighters to members in the first municipal fire departments – played in civic, social, and political life, as well as how major historical fires like the Chicago Fire of 1871 reflect the successes, limitations, and innovations of firefighting at the time.
- Approximately 100 objects, featuring model fire trucks and firefighting equipment including helmets, buckets, trumpets, tools, and parade hats
- Approximately 3,000-3,500 square feet
- Tour begins: Fall 2011
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