Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from Friendship Firehouse Museum, History Museum, 107 S Alfred Street, Alexandria, VA.
The Friendship Veterans Fire Engine Association assists in the preservation of the historic fire engine house on Alfred Street in Alexandria, Virginia; supports the Alexandria Fire Department; and provides scholarships, and other benevolent and philanthropic services to the Alexandria Community. The Association promotes civic involvement, honors the legacy of its 18th-century founders--dedicated citizen firefighters--and values the contributions of our present-day first responders.
Annual Friendship Firehouse Festival Returns on August 6
ALEXANDRIA, VA--The historic Friendship Firehouse Museum is once again pleased to host the annual Friendship Firehouse Festival on Saturday, August 6,
Friendship Firehouse Museum updated their website address.
Friendship Firehouse Museum updated their phone number.
Come out on February 19 and visit the Friendship Firehouse Museum between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m.! The Friendship Fire Company was established in 1774 as the first volunteer fire company in Alexandria. Younger visitors will receive a free fire hat and a take-away bag of fun activities. $2 per person and no advance tickets are necessary. Free for Alexandria residents!
Visit the Friendship Firehouse Museum between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. on January 15! There may some snow outside, but it is hot inside! Learn about early fire fighting in Alexandria and see an 1851 fire engine. $2 per person and no advance tickets are necessary. Free for Alexandria residents! For more info: visit https://www.alexandriava.gov/FriendshipFirehouse
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Visit the Friendship Firehouse Museum between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. on December 18! It might be cold outside but warm up inside learning about early fire fighting in Alexandria. Purchase tickets in advance at alexandriava.gov/shop for a discount for parties of two or more – advance tickets are only $2 for parties of up to ten. Free for Alexandria residents!
Photos from Alexandria Firefighters, Inc. IAFF Local 2141's post
2021 Ivy Hill Memorial and Wreath Laying Ceremony
The Alexandria Fire Department, Ivy Hill Cemetery Historical Preservation Society and the Friendship Veterans Fire Association host the 51st Annual Ivy Hill ...
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Celebrate Fire Prevention Week by visiting the Friendship Firehouse Museum on October 9 from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. This year's theme is "Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety!" which today includes smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, but in the 19th century included rattles, horns, triangles, and bells that helped alert people when there was a fire. Purchase tickets in advance at alexandriava.gov/shop for a discount for parties of two or more – advance tickets are only $2 for parties of up to ten. Free for Alexandria residents!
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Come see an early fire engine at Friendship Firehouse Museum on September 11 from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Suction engines drew water through a hose + provided a powerful + constant stream to fight fires. In 1851, Friendship’s members purchased this suction engine from John Rogers in Baltimore. With over a dozen men pumping the handles (called “brakes”), it threw water 155 feet! Purchase tickets in advance at alexandriava.gov/shop for a discount for parties of two or more – advance tickets are only $2 for parties of up to ten. Free for Alexandria residents!
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INFO :: Learn more about your City government. Alexandria’s diverse Academy programs are accepting applications for fall 2021 sessions. Apply now for City, Eco-City, Senior or Community Fire Academies. The Community Police Academy is holding a special closed session. The Commonwealth Attorney’s Community and the Community Sheriff’s Academies plan to return in the spring of 2022. These programs are designed to inform, educate and engage the community about local government operations. For more information, visit alexandriava.gov/123864
Alexandria Community Fire Academy
The Alexandria Community Fire Academy educates community members about fire safety and emergency medical response, as well as the history, administration, operations, and apparatus of an urban public safety agency.
PHOTOS: Friendship Firehouse Festival in Alexandria Had Big Turnout Over the Weekend
ALEXANDRIA, VA - The Friendship Firehouse Trustees and friends welcomed Alexandria residents and visitors to its annual Festival held on Saturday, August
Come on by tomorrow, Saturday, August 7th from 9am to 2pm for the festivities! The museum will be open for timed tours, the Fire Department will have some of its equipment there for kids to explore! Live music and vendors!
Can't make it to the Friendship Firehouse Festival this Sat, Aug. 7? Celebrate Friendship Firehouse's 247th birthday all month with a free Family Summer Fun Kit! The pickup kit includes a plastic Friendship fire helmet, instructions, plus coloring and activity pages. Recommended for families with children ages 4-8. *While supplies last*, pick up the kit beginning Aug. 12 at the Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum (Thurs + Fri 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. + Sat 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.).
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Beat the heat and venture down to the Friendship Firehouse Museum between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. on July 17! Check out early fire fighting equipment including fire buckets and an elaborately decorated suction engine that helped put an end to the labor-intensive bucket brigades of the past. Purchase tickets in advance at alexandriava.gov/shop for a discount for parties of two or more – advance tickets are only $2 for parties of up to ten. Free for Alexandria residents!
This past month, Friendship Firehouse Museum recently underwent minor repairs and painting. Come check out the finished product on June 19 from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m when the Museum is open for tours! Contractors repointed bricks on the exterior of the building, made minor repairs to the cupola, and painted. The cupola now reflects the 19th-century paint scheme. Purchase tickets in advance at alexandriava.gov/shop for a discount for parties of two or more – advance tickets are only $2 for parties of up to ten. Free for Alexandria residents!
Ring it out loud and clear - on May 22, Friendship Firehouse Museum will be open from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. This 1857 bell in the Museum’s cupola was rung to alert of a fire in the city. Fun fact - it tolls in the key of D! Purchase tickets in advance at alexandriava.gov/shop for a discount for parties of two or more – advance tickets are only $2 for parties of up to ten. Free for Alexandria residents!
Enjoy the beautiful weather of spring and venture down to the Friendship Firehouse on April 17! The Museum will be open from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. The Friendship Fire Company, established in 1774, was the first fire company in Alexandria, comprised of member volunteers from across the community. Check out early fire buckets, an elaborately decorated suction engine, and plus ceremonial capes. Purchase tickets in advance at alexandriava.gov/shop for a discount for parties of two or more – advance tickets are only $2 for parties of up to ten. Free for Alexandria residents!
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For , we're spotlighting some of the women of our department whose contributions make us who we are. Firefighter/EMT Amanda Donahue stays positive and encouraged so she can be the person she needed when she was growing up.
Woot - this week we reopen! Alexandria Archaeology Museum, Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, and the Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum will be open 3 days a week, plus Friendship Firehouse once a month. For detailed times for each site, as well as safety protocols for guests, visit: https://www.alexandriava.gov/Historic
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For , we're spotlighting some of the women of our department whose contributions make us who we are. Larosa Farmer is one of our shining stars on the administrative staff who gets her inspiration from women who speak up and take action for women's rights.
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REMINDER: We're springing forward this weekend for the start of . Don't forget to test your smoke alarms and change the batteries if needed when you change your clocks on Sunday. https://bit.ly/2uq7xRY
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For , we're spotlighting some of the women of our department whose contributions make us who we are. Lt. Erin Mustian is inspired every day by her mom who was a single parent of 3. She never let anyone stand in the way of her dreams.
ONE WEEK FROM TONIGHT!
Fire Station 8 with retired Battalion Chief J. Dale Smith.
March 11, 2021 at 7:00 pm
Virtual Event
Register here to attend this event: https://forms.gle/WFJuL8jU7BXWRtNH8
In 1918, 14 men established the Halls Hill Volunteer Fire Department to
protect this largely African American community. While all firefighters donned bulky fire-resistant clothes and wielded heavy tools, the members of Engine Company 8 also
bore the heavy burden of official policy and tradition known as Jim Crow. The result was neglect and hostility from the white establishment.
Join retired Battalion Chief of the Arlington County Fire Department, J. Dale Smith, as he discusses the history of Firehouse 8 and interviews two of its oldest firefighters, Hartman Reed and his father, Jerome Smith.
Dale Smith is a veteran fire professional. He served thirty-one and a half years with the Arlington County Fire Department. He started his career assigned to fire station 8 in North Arlington. He served as a paramedic, Fire/EMS Lieutenant, Fire/EMS Captain, Deputy Fire Marshall, Staff Assistant to the Fire Chief, North and South Fire/EMS Battalion Chief, Planning Chief, and as the Logistics Chief. He received numerous awards over his career including the Valor Award. He is currently writing a book on the history of Engine Company 8.
Attendees must register before Wednesday, March 10. Please register here to attend this event: https://forms.gle/WFJuL8jU7BXWRtNH8
On the morning of the event (March 11) attendees will receive an email with zoom access information. This procedure is for your security.
This event is part of a series of free monthly public events provided by the Arlington Historical Society. Since the pandemic curtailed live events, AHS has been providing them free to the public via Zoom.
https://arlingtonhistoricalsociety.org/events/fire-station-8/
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Recognizing and honoring the women of AFD – from admin and first responders to IT – who continue to provide significant contributions to our department and the service we provide to our community
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We're ending our profiles with Fire-EMS Chief Corey A. Smedley, the first African American fire chief of the City of Alexandria.
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Lt. Randolph Woodson, Jr. recognizes by always honoring the trailblazers and mentors who paved the way. those who have a "burning passion for service, success, and excellence."
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Lt. Steven Smith is recognizing by doing everything he can to leave a lasting legacy of integrity, positive representation, and community involvement.
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For the last week of , some of our first responders share how they recognize and honor those who came before them. First up, Firefighter Alex Lee.
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Firefighter Genét Moore said she recognizes "by honoring the ones who put in the work before me and not staying complacent because I understand now more than ever that we’re nowhere near the finish line."
An exciting update about Friendship Firehose Museum’s 1858 Prettyman hose reel carriage. As you may remember, it has been at conservator Josiah Wagener’s shop for the past year and work is progressing well. While carefully removing many generations of paint he has determined, “The earliest finish coat on the wheels was a scarlet color with gold, blue, and white pinstriping.” Extraordinary! He has also polished and lacquered the hose reel’s beautiful brass features. The hose reel will be returning in late spring.
Photos from Fire Department, City of Alexandria, VA's post
Need some fun educational activities to enjoy over Winter Break? Let Historic Alexandria do all the work for you! Purchase our Winter in Alexandria kit - ONLY 14 LEFT - for $25 and you will receive instructions and supplies for over 10 different activities, shipped directly to you on December 11. A perfect way to keep elementary-aged children engaged! https://shop.alexandriava.gov/Products/WinterinAlexandriaKit.aspx?skuid=6005864k
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It might be cold outside, but it is always warm at the Friendship Firehouse Museum! Tour the museum on December 5 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m and pick up this year’s beautiful Hose Reel ornament. The Friendship Fire Company, established in 1774, was the first fire company in Alexandria. Today the Friendship Firehouse, built in 1855, houses buckets, hoses, axes, and Friendship’s mid-19th century suction engine. In order to maintain physical distancing, reserve your entry time in advance at a steep discount! Make your reservation today: alexandriava.gov/shop.
Special One-Day Opening of Friendship Firehouse Museum
Friendship Firehouse Museum, 107 S. Alfred St
Saturday, Dec. 5, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
$2
Friendship Firehouse Museum will be open to the public 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Saturday, December 5, 2020. As city museums reopen, they will initially operate at 25% capacity. In order to reserve a space and maintain physical distancing, purchase your entry time in advance at a steep discount. Instead of paying per person for admission, advanced tickets are only $2 for your entire group of up to ten people. Purchase one $2 ticket for up to ten people in your party.
In lieu of individual tickets, select one entrance time for your group and present your emailed receipt. Alexandria residents visit for free, but please reserve a time. If you have already purchased a Key to the City ticket, choose that option to reserve your entrance slot and present your Key to the City upon arrival. Tickets are available at The Alexandria Shop. Don't forget to visit the museum shop and pick up this year's Historic Alexandria ornament featuring Friendship Firehouse Museum's Prettyman Hose Carriage!
The Friendship Fire Company, established in 1774, was the first fire company in Alexandria. Friendship members were volunteers motivated by their concern for the property and well-being of the community. Today the Friendship Firehouse, built in 1855, is a museum open to the public. Buckets, hose, axes, Friendship’s mid-19th century suction engine – elaborately decorated with the company’s clasped-hands insignia - are on view.
Safety Measures
We have enacted additional measures to ensure the safety of our visitors and staff. We ask that visitors:
Wash hands upon arrival (in museum restrooms or at hand-sanitizing station at the entrance).
Wear a face covering while visiting as required by the Commonwealth of Virginia (exceptions include children under 10 and people with health conditions that do not allow them to wear face coverings).
Follow one-way traffic patterns through the museum and maintain physical distancing.
Limit group sizes to less than ten people.
Please do not touch exhibits or displays.
Museum staff are implementing safety standards based on Department of Health recommendations, including:
Requiring all staff wearing face coverings in the building.
Enhanced daily cleaning, including disinfecting high-touch surfaces throughout the day.
Providing hand sanitizer and tissues throughout the museum.
Restricting admission to timed entry to ensure physical distancing.
Installing plexiglass sneeze guards at shop counters.
Friendship Firehouse Museum is located at 107 South Alfred Street in Old Town, Alexandria. For more information please visit www.friendshipfirehouse.net.; or contact the museum by calling 703.746.3891.
For reasonable disability accommodation, contact [email protected] or 703.746.4994, Virginia Relay 711.
The annual Historic Alexandria Holiday Ornament has arrived! This year highlights the Friendship Firehouse Museum Hose-Reel Carriage. Friendship Fire Company purchased the hose-reel carriage in 1858 from coachmaker and Friendship member Robert F. Prettyman. The hose carriage is currently receiving professional conservation. After a meticulous paint analysis and examination, it will be restored to its original ornate paint scheme of blue with gold embellishments. This ornament is $20 and can be purchased online or at the open Historic Alexandria Museum Shops: https://shop.alexandriava.gov/Products/FriendshipFirehouseHoseReelOrnament(2020).aspx?skuid=6005838
Smoke alarm testing and maintenance
Smoke alarms save lives (they reduce the risk of dying in a fire in half), but they need to be working properly to protect you. Make sure your smoke alarms a...
107 S Alfred Street
Alexandria, VA
22314
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