African American Firefighter Museum

08/18/2026

We would like to extend our deepest condolences to the Osby family as they mourn the passing of Robert E. Osby, a trailblazer and respected leader in the fire service. Chief Osby dedicated decades of his life to serving his communities and breaking barriers for Black firefighters.

His impact reached far beyond the departments he led. Robert Osby’s leadership and determination helped create a path for future generations of Black firefighters and leaders, including his son, Daryl Osby, who went on to become the first Black Fire Chief of the Los Angeles County Fire Department.

We honor Chief Osby’s remarkable legacy of service, leadership, perseverance, and commitment to creating opportunities for others. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Osby family, friends, and the many firefighters and community members whose lives he touched.

05/21/2026

to an amazing day at the African American Firefighter Museum

Our Drive, Fly, Float or Ride Auto Show brought the community together to celebrate history, culture, and incredible vehicles from across Los Angeles. Events like this show how important AAFFM is to the community.

As we continue recovery and reopening efforts after last year’s fire, we are grateful for everyone who attended, volunteered, and continues to support the museum.

Watch the video and relive the memories! 🎥: .clips

05/21/2026

The AAFFM wants to hear from YOU!
Have you ever visited the museum, attended an event, volunteered, or supported our mission? We’d love to hear your memories and stories in the comments below!

Answer ONE of these questions:
1. What is your favorite memory of the museum?
2. What is your favorite item from the collection?
3. What new experience, program, activity, or event would you like to see at the new AAFFM?

Your stories remind us why the museum matters and why preserving this history is so important.

You can also support the future of the museum by donating to our fundraiser. Every donation helps us get closer to reopening our doors and continuing to share the history and legacy of Black Firefighters in Los Angeles.

05/20/2026

May is Preservation Month, a time to spotlight the importance of historic places, community heritage, and architectural conservation. This Preservation Month, we honor the stories, sacrifices, and legacy preserved within the African American Firefighter Museum.

After last year’s fire, the museum continues working toward reopening and restoring a space that celebrates the history of Black Firefighters in the Los Angeles area and beyond, and inspires future generations. Preserving this history takes all of us.

You can help keep the legacy alive by supporting restoration and reopening efforts through our fundraiser. Every donation helps protect priceless artifacts, continue community programming, and ensure these stories are never forgotten. Join us in preserving history for generations to come. Donate today and help keep the museum’s doors open.

Donate at:

Help African American Firefighter Museum reach their goal by donating or sharing with your friends.

03/27/2026

Did you know we have a podcast? "Blazing Trails & Breaking Norms" is a podcast where African-American women firefighters/paramedics share their stories in their own words, recounting their awe-inspiring journey, challenges, and impact on the fire service. Spend the last few days of Women's History Month catching up on Los Angeles history!

Listen here: https://blazingtrailsandbreakingnorms.transistor.fm/

03/26/2026

On February 15, 1985, the City of Los Angeles Cultural Heritage Commission declared Fire Station No. 30 an historic landmark. 41 years later, Fire Station No. 30 is the home to the African American Firefighter Museum.

Help us continue the effort to preserve the legacy of Black LA firefighters by donating today! https://www.paypal.com/donate?campaign_id=PMVET9BAWLBP8

Photo Credits: The Los Angeles Fire Department Historical Archive & Craig Baker

03/26/2026

Before Women's History Month ends, we want to honor the women who broke barriers in the fire service. Our first highlight is Retired LAFD Captain d'Lisa Davies. Captain Davies joined Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) in 1984 after serving in the military as a Telecommunication Specialist. She became LAFD’s first Black woman firefighter and the second Black woman to be uniformed. She promoted to Captain in 2009 after 22 years of field and administrative assignments. Captain Davies retired in October 2015 after 31 years of public service.

Check out a brief presentation of her illustrious career here, and stay tuned for more stories as we wrap up Women's History Month!

Retired LAFD Captain d'Lisa Davies joinedLos Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) in 1984 after serving in the military as a Telecommunication Specialist. She beca...

03/25/2026

The African American Firefighter Museum has resolved recent issues with the USPS and is now able to accept mail again. If you received a returned check during this time, please feel free to resend it or make a donation through our PayPal fundraising page. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we worked through this temporary issue.

Donation link: https://www.paypal.com/donate?campaign_id=PMVET9BAWLBP8

03/17/2026

We would like to extend a huge thank you to Los Angeles Fire Department Fire Commissioner Genethia Hudley-Hayes for stepping up with a generous $1,000 donation to kick off our Emergency Response Challenge!

Her leadership helps move us closer to our goal of raising $200,000 to reopen and sustain the African American Firefighter Museum.

Now the question is: Who will join her?

Continue preserving the legacy and contributions of African-American firefighters. Every donation makes a difference and helps keep this important history alive. Be part of the movement and help us reach our goal! Donate today and encourage others to step up.

Donate here: https://www.paypal.com/donate?campaign_id=PMVET9BAWLBP8