New York City Fire Museum

02/13/2025

It's ! NEW podcast episode is available! 🚨

Throwback FDNY to 1952, when Victor Collymore is appointed to the FDNY, where he would help bridge the gap between the department and the communities it served.

Presented by the with support from the and the .

Check it out and please subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

01/30/2025

🚨 It's 🚨New podcast episode is available! 🚨

Throwback FDNY to 1898, when the FDNY transitioned the city away from volunteer fire services to a citywide department, following the consolidation of the five boroughs.

Presented by the with support from the and the .

Check it out and please subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

01/20/2025

Today we honor Dr. King's legacy of service, which resonates deeply with the FDNY's mission of protecting all New Yorkers. We remember the brave African American firefighters who broke barriers and remember that true service knows no bounds.

01/15/2025

16 years ago today: The Miracle on the Hudson

An incredible moment in aviation history. When US Airways Flight 1549 struck a flock of geese shortly after takeoff from LaGuardia, Captain Sully Sullenberger made the split-second decision that would save 155 lives - landing on the Hudson River.

What followed was an extraordinary display of NYC's emergency response. FDNY Marine units, private ferries, NYPD, and Coast Guard vessels raced to the scene. Their swift action, combined with the flight crew's remarkable skill, ensured every single passenger and crew member made it home that day.

A testament to human courage, skill, and the power of working together when every second counts. ✨ Swipe to see historical photos from that incredible day ➡️



1st 📸: Mario Tama, Getty Images
2nd📸: FDNY
3rd📸: Steven Day, AP

01/07/2025

⚠️ : Make it your New Year’s resolution to test every smoke alarm in your home on the first Tuesday of each month. This simple 10-second test could save your family’s lives.

Remember to:
🔴Press and hold the test button until you hear a loud beep
🔴Replace batteries immediately if the alarm chirps
🔴Replace smoke alarms that are over 10 years old
🔴Install alarms right outside sleeping areas

12/25/2024

🎄 From our historic firehouse to your home, the New York City Fire Museum wishes you a safe and joyous holiday season!

For 150+ years, FDNY members have kept watch over New York City during the holidays, ready to respond at a moment's notice. As we celebrate this festive season, we're grateful for our incredible firefighting community - past and present - and for friends like you who help preserve their legacy.

May your holidays be merry, bright, and above all, safe!

While we're temporarily closed, we look forward to sharing more stories of courage, innovation, and service with you in the new year. Until then, stay warm and remember: working smoke alarms make great stocking stuffers! 🚒❤️

12/20/2024

photos are from December 19,1959, when firefighters battled a 4-alarm fire at 1289 Wilkins Avenue in the Bronx.

Learn more about FDNY history with the Throwback Podcast, now available on Apple, Spotify, and Google Play.

12/11/2024

🎄 While our doors are closed, our holiday spirit is blazing strong!

🎁 Bring a piece of FDNY history home instead! From vintage-inspired treasures to exclusive FDNY gear, our online shop at nycfiremuseum.org/shop is stocked with perfect gifts that tell the story of New York's Bravest.

Every purchase helps keep our Museum's legacy alive during our temporary closure. Your support means we'll be ready to spark imagination and share incredible stories when we reopen!

The best part? You can shop in your PJs while supporting your favorite firefighting museum! 🚒✨

12/10/2024

Holiday Safety Tips

🎄 Trim Your Tree, Not Your Safety!
Keep your Christmas tree well-watered and 3ft from heat sources. A dry tree can catch fire in seconds - don’t let your holiday memories go up in smoke.

💡 Light Up Safely!
Your holiday lights should sparkle, not spark! Check for damage, use proper clips (not nails!), and never connect more than 3 strands. Sweet dreams are made of... turned-off holiday lights!

🕯️ Candle With Care
That cozy glow shouldn’t steal the show! Keep candles 12 inches from anything that can burn and never leave them unattended. Better yet? Try LED candles - all of the ambiance, none of the risk!

👩‍🍳 Kitchen Safety is the Secret Ingredient
Don’t let kitchen fires crash your holiday feast! Stay in the kitchen while cooking, keep a fire extinguisher handy, and give yourself the gift of a clear cooking space.

🔥 Space Heater Smarts
Baby, it’s cold outside - but your space heater needs its space! Keep 3ft clear, plug directly into outlets, and always unplug before bedtime. Stay cozy, stay safe!

11/21/2024

It's ! NEW podcast episode is available!

Throwback FDNY to 1897, when a monument is unveiled at Gettysburg Battlefield honoring veterans of the New York Fire Zouaves, to 1952, when a member of the FDNY suggests that a Helicopter Company be formed in the Department, and to 1963, when a firehouse gets caught in the middle of a long-standing feud.

Presented by the with support from the and the .

Check it out and please subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

11/15/2024

repost • ’s photos are from November 19, 1954. Firefighters responded to a ship fire in Brooklyn, NY.

Learn more about FDNY history with the Throwback Podcast, now available on Apple, Spotify, and Google Play.

11/11/2024

Today, the New York City Fire Museum honors a profound legacy of service that dates back to America's earliest days. Before New York's paid fire department was established in 1865, many of our first volunteer fire companies were formed by veterans returning from the Revolutionary War and War of 1812. These veteran-firefighters brought military discipline, courage, and a continued commitment to service into our firehouses.

The tradition of veteran fire associations flourished in the 19th century, with groups like the War Veterans Volunteer Firemen's Association providing crucial support and brotherhood for those who served both country and community. These organizations helped establish many of the traditions and values that define the FDNY today.
From those early volunteer companies to the present FDNY, countless firefighters have proudly worn both uniforms - serving as guardians of our city and defenders of our nation. On this Veterans Day, we honor all who've served, especially our FDNY family members past and present who answered both calls to duty.

To every veteran: thank you for your service, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication to protecting others.

11/08/2024

🚨repost • takes us back to November 10, 1974, when the Vulcan Society held a Memorial Service honoring fallen members during a ceremony at St. Ambrose Episcopal Church in Harlem.

Learn more about FDNY history with the Throwback Podcast, now available on Apple, Spotify, and Google Play.

10/31/2024

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

It's ! NEW podcast episode is available!

Throwback FDNY to 1849, when the San Francisco Fire Department is organized by members of the FDNY, to 1883, when the sliding pole is introduced in the FDNY, and to 1974, when the first class of Paramedics in New York City graduated.

Presented by the with support from the and the .

Check it out and please subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

10/30/2024

In a powerful show of community partnership, NYCHA’s Fire Safety Department, the NYC Fire Museum, FDNY’s Fire Safety Education Unit, and Marshals from the Bureau of Fire Investigation united to deliver essential fire safety training to NYCHA residents citywide, culminating in a major event on October 29 at the Manhattanville Community Center. This annual symposium—made possible through the support of the Public Housing Community Fund—addressed the critical need for fire prevention awareness, particularly in response to the recent rise in lithium-ion battery-related fires across NYC.

Event Highlights: Over 300 resident leaders from all five boroughs received fire safety training—including two sessions in Queens—and the community received a generous donation of 50+ fire extinguishers from A&M Warshaw Plumbing and Heating.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to , , , , and for their commitment to advancing public safety and empowering residents with life-saving knowledge.

10/25/2024

🚨 As Fire Prevention Month comes to an end, let’s look back at the citywide Fire Prevention events that took place in October 1974. Fifty years later, the FDNY’s Fire Prevention mission remains the same – promoting the importance of fire and life safety education to all New Yorkers!

Learn more about FDNY history with the Throwback Podcast, now available on Apple, Spotify, and Google Play.

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10/07/2024

🎙️🚒 Calling all history buffs and fire enthusiasts! Did you know that the New York City Fire Museum has its own podcast? And it's officially supported by the FDNY and FDNY Foundation! 🚨📻

The New York City Fire Museum's Throwback FDNY podcast is here to help present the extraordinary history and unique heritage of the fire department in the five boroughs. Each episode, we’ll turn a spotlight on three specific years and share a story from each that we hope brings the Fire Department’s past to life, a must for FDNY history buffs of all ages!

In our latest episode, episode 52, we take you on a thrilling journey through three pivotal moments in FDNY history. Did you know that in 1898, John Jay Scannell became the first Commissioner of the newly consolidated Fire Department of Greater New York? We also explore the devastating 1922 Arverne fire that swept through Queens, and the touching 1937 unveiling of the Memorial Wall at FDNY Headquarters. Discover how these events shaped the department we know today!

🎧 Listen now: https://share.transistor.fm/s/378acee4

👉 Don't miss out on future episodes! Follow our podcast on your favorite platform:
- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0wA13s9ihzmtemOWboauF8
- Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/throwback-fdny/id1520432865

Have you listened to our podcast before? What topics would you like us to cover in future episodes? Let us know in the comments below!

It’s International Podcast Day! Did you know the FDNY has four podcasts covering fire safety, history, firsthand experiences of our members, and much more? The podcasts are available on Apple, Spotify and Google Play.

Podcast brings together professionals and experts in the field of Fire and EMS, offering their firsthand knowledge and experience. Hear from the pros as they discuss what they’ve learned on the front lines.

FDNY Smart for Kids features FDNY members, Fire and Life Safety Educators, and NYC students to bring lifesaving information to families.

gives you a closer look at rewarding career paths within the Department including firefighters, EMTs, paramedics, dispatchers, fire protection inspectors, cadets, and other civilian opportunities.

Throwback FDNY presents the extraordinary history and unique heritage of the Fire Department. Each episode turns the spotlight on three specific years and shares a story from each that brings the Fire Department’s past to life.

All our podcasts are produced with the support of the and .

10/03/2024

🚨repost • Today’s photos are from October 5, 1980, as firefighters combat a 2-alarm fire at 564 Prospect Ave in the Bronx, NY.

Learn more about FDNY history with the Throwback Podcast, now available on Apple, Spotify, and Google Play.