New York City Fire Museum

New York City Fire Museum This renovated 1904 firehouse contains a comprehensive collection of fire-related art & artifacts fro
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The New York City Fire Museum is the official museum of the FDNY and houses one of the nation's most prominent collections of fire related art and artifacts from the 18th Century to the present. Among its holdings are painted leather buckets, helmets, parade hats and belts, lanterns and tools, Volunteer-era hand pumped fire engines, horse drawn vehicles and early motorized apparatus.

  Twenty-two years ago, on November 12, 2001, following the lingering trauma of the September 11th attacks, New Yorkers ...
12/01/2023

Twenty-two years ago, on November 12, 2001, following the lingering trauma of the September 11th attacks, New Yorkers faced renewed terrorism fears as American Airlines Flight 587, en route from JFK airport to the Dominican Republic, crashed in the Belle Harbor neighborhood of Queens. The crash claimed the lives of all 260 people on board (251 passengers and 9 crew), along with five on the ground. Contrary to initial concerns of terrorism, the NTSB investigation revealed that the crash resulted from wake turbulence from the preceding aircraft.

The FDNY swiftly responded to the crash report at 9:17 A.M. Initially, three engines and two ladders, led by the 47th Battalion, arrived at Box 1398 on Beach 131st Street and Newport Avenue. Engine 329 requested a full first alarm assignment upon arrival. Fires were evident on both sides of Beach 131st Street, prompting subsequent requests for second and third alarms. Reports of fires spanning multiple blocks and downed power lines flooded in.

A major emergency was declared with a 10-60 signal, mobilizing additional units, including Rescue 3 with the collapse unit, Hazardous Materials Unit, Hazmat Tech Unit, Squad Company 1 with the Technical Response Vehicle, Tactical Support Unit, Field Communications Unit, Safety Battalion, Special Operations Battalion, and the public information officer. A fifth alarm summoned a total of 20 engines, eight trucks, six battalion chiefs, and a deputy chief for the southern Queens area. Simultaneously, due to severe conditions, a third alarm was issued for a different location nearby at Box 1441 on Beach 131st Street, involving a fire at a gas station where one of the jet's engines had landed.

The aftermath saw widespread debris over a four-block-wide area, extending from Jamaica Bay to the north near JFK airport to the Atlantic Ocean in the south. A memorial honoring the victims was unveiled on November 12, 2006, with an annual ceremony held to remember those lost.

🚨repost •  For today’s  , we are taken to April 04, 2002 when a two-alarm fire ripped through St. Matthews Church in Can...
11/30/2023

🚨repost • For today’s , we are taken to April 04, 2002 when a two-alarm fire ripped through St. Matthews Church in Canarsie. Monsignor John Delendick responded as he did to many scenes, providing a steady and comforting presence.

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

Support the New York City Fire Museum this   and fuel our mission to preserve, educate, and celebrate the FDNY's heroic ...
11/28/2023

Support the New York City Fire Museum this and fuel our mission to preserve, educate, and celebrate the FDNY's heroic legacy. 🚒✨

Visit https://www.nycfiremuseum.org/donate to make your tax-deductible contribution today.

🚨✨  Spotlight: At the New York City Fire Museum, we're not just preserving history; we're also on a mission to educate a...
11/27/2023

🚨✨ Spotlight: At the New York City Fire Museum, we're not just preserving history; we're also on a mission to educate and promote fire safety!

Today and everyday, we emphasize the crucial lessons of fire safety in apartments and why instilling these skills in our little ones is paramount. The New York City Fire Museum's Fire Safety Learning Center is a must-see stop for visitors, offering essential knowledge on fire prevention. The exhibit is open year-round, and guests can take advantage of four interactive screens to learn important lessons. If you're interested in a more in-depth experience, we recommend pairing the tour with a brief history of firefighting by scheduling a fire safety tour for your group. To find out more about our center and tours, please visit www.nycfiremuseum.org/fire-safety-education .

Join us in spreading awareness and empowering the next generation with the knowledge to stay safe!🧯

This  , be a Beacon of Generosity! Your support lights the way for the New York City Fire Museum, ensuring our flame of ...
11/26/2023

This , be a Beacon of Generosity! Your support lights the way for the New York City Fire Museum, ensuring our flame of preservation, education and celebration never dims. 🔥🌟

Thrilling news alert! Gear up for an unforgettable experience as we unveil our exclusive year-end spectacular. Enjoy a b...
11/24/2023

Thrilling news alert! Gear up for an unforgettable experience as we unveil our exclusive year-end spectacular.
Enjoy a blazing 30-50% OFF on all rentals at the New York City Fire Museum until the year's end. Whether you're gearing up for a corporate affair, a milestone celebration, or any special gathering, now is the moment to snag the venue you've been envisioning at an unbeatable half-price. Seize this incredible opportunity to elevate your events while keeping those dollars in check.

Secure your spot now and let's turn your occasions into fiery, unforgettable moments! Email us today at [email protected] for more info!

🔥✨ Unleash the Savings at the New York City Fire Museum Black Friday Sale! Enjoy a blazing 20% off your purchase when yo...
11/24/2023

🔥✨ Unleash the Savings at the New York City Fire Museum Black Friday Sale! Enjoy a blazing 20% off your purchase when you spend $50 or more. Hurry, this fiery deal lasts until Monday! 🔥🛒 Enter code FIRE20 to ignite the savings.

🔥🍁 Wishing everyone a safe and joyous Thanksgiving! 🦃🍂 Please note that the New York City Fire Museum is closed for the ...
11/23/2023

🔥🍁 Wishing everyone a safe and joyous Thanksgiving! 🦃🍂 Please note that the New York City Fire Museum is closed for the holiday to allow our team to celebrate with their loved ones. We're incredibly grateful for your support, and if you're feeling generous this season, consider giving the gift of fire safety education by making a tax-deductible contribution to our non-profit. Your donation helps us continue our mission to educate, preserve, and celebrate the history and heroism of the FDNY. 🚒🎁

 : Family Gatherings Edition 🏡🔥🍂Check Alarms: Ensure smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms are in working order bef...
11/21/2023

: Family Gatherings Edition 🏡🔥

🍂Check Alarms: Ensure smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms are in working order before hosting gatherings. Safety first!

🍂Escape Routes: Familiarize guests with escape routes in case of an emergency. A little preparation goes a long way.

🍂Cooking Awareness: Be mindful in the kitchen; never leave cooking unattended and keep flammable items away from stovetops.

🍂 Childproofing: Keep lighters and matches out of reach of children. Childproofing is key for a worry-free gathering.

Let's make family gatherings not only memorable but also safe and enjoyable for everyone! 🚒✨

Unveiling Our Exclusive Black Friday Extravaganza: Shop and Save with Code FIRE20Our Black Friday sale is running till n...
11/20/2023

Unveiling Our Exclusive Black Friday Extravaganza: Shop and Save with Code FIRE20

Our Black Friday sale is running till next week! Complete your holiday shopping early by entering the code FIRE20 to enjoy a 20% discount when you spend $50 or more. Sale ends Monday November 27th.

Visit https://www.nycfiremuseum.org/shop to start saving!

 🚨 Leather Buckets: An Artful Tradition of Civic CourageBefore the advent of firefighting apparatus, citizens found a so...
11/17/2023

🚨 Leather Buckets: An Artful Tradition of Civic Courage

Before the advent of firefighting apparatus, citizens found a somewhat helpful way of fighting fires in their community. Leather buckets were brought to the scene of the fire, and citizens formed a “Bucket Brigade”, consisting of two lines- one to pass buckets containing water up the line to be thrown on the fire, and the other to send the buckets back down the line to be refilled and send back up the first line.

While some history suggests that 2 full buckets were required to be kept in each home, this seems counterproductive, as running towards the blaze with two full buckets would be cumbersome and would probably spill most of the water. Other historical records show that 2 buckets would be required to be kept in each home. When a fire erupted, a call of “Throw out your buckets” would be issued, and the resident would throw them into the street, to be collected and brought to the fire.

The use of buckets to fight fires was rarely able to stop the building from being destroyed. Rather it provided time for the residents of the burning building to gather some belongings. In many cases, it would also stop the spread of the fire to adjoining buildings.

The New York City Fire Museum has a collection of over 100 of these leather buckets. Many are finely painted and decorated, as they were able to show not just civic pride, but also the social status of their owners. The buckets shown are on display in the museum’s second floor gallery.

🚨repost •  For today’s  , take a look at the Fireboat James F. Hackett, named after Deputy Fire Commissioner James F. Ha...
11/16/2023

🚨repost • For today’s , take a look at the Fireboat James F. Hackett, named after Deputy Fire Commissioner James F. Hackett, who first joined the FDNY as a clerk in 1931. He moved up in the Department to Director of Accounts and Procurement before being appointed as First Deputy Fire Commissioner.

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

Exciting news! 📣 The New York City Fire Museum has joined the Bloomberg Connects   app, marking the 305th cultural insti...
11/16/2023

Exciting news! 📣 The New York City Fire Museum has joined the Bloomberg Connects app, marking the 305th cultural institution to be featured. 🎉 This free app serves as your guide to the arts and cultural spaces. Whether you're exploring the museum in person or from anywhere in the world, the Bloomberg Connects app enriches your experience with valuable insights and information.

11/16/2023

It's ! NEW podcast episode is available!
•••
In this episode of Throwback FDNY… in 1868 a fire engine explodes at a fire on the Bowery. In 1883, the School of Instruction is opened. And in 1991, William Feehan becomes, “The Chief.”
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Check it out and please subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.
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Presented by the with support from the and the .

🔙   transports us to 1929, where a furry hero named "Chief" walked into the headquarters of Engine 203 on a cold winter ...
11/15/2023

🔙 transports us to 1929, where a furry hero named "Chief" walked into the headquarters of Engine 203 on a cold winter night. Adopted by the firemen, Chief served the company for a remarkable 10 years. Legend has it that Chief, a mixed breed dog, accompanied the firefighters to every blaze, even leading them to victims with his barks. In 1936, Chief earned four Medals of Honor for his remarkable rescues, including saving a cat during a tragic fire in 1939. Despite sustaining injuries, Chief's dedication and bravery left an enduring mark. Sadly, Chief met a tragic end in 1939 but is forever remembered at the New York City Fire Museum, where he is honored in the first-floor gallery. 🐾🚒

In 1943, 20-year-old William "Bud" Hennessy, a U.S. B-17 bomber pilot from Staten Island and later a distinguished FDNY ...
11/11/2023

In 1943, 20-year-old William "Bud" Hennessy, a U.S. B-17 bomber pilot from Staten Island and later a distinguished FDNY veteran, faced a perilous encounter over Germany during World War II. Eighty years later, celebrating his 100th birthday, Hennessy reflects on his wartime experiences and remarkable career, having flown 16 missions as part of the Eighth Air Force. After witnessing the end of the war, he returned to Staten Island, became an FDNY firefighter, and rose through the ranks, displaying heroism in a 1984 rescue operation that earned him commendation from the Honor Legion.

On this Veterans Day, we honor Hennessy's service to both the nation and the FDNY, embodying the spirit of bravery and commitment.

Read the full story by Scott R. Axelrod on https://www.silive.com/news/2023/11/staten-island-pilot-was-almost-shot-down-in-world-war-ii-now-he-marks-100th-birthday.html

Today’s   takes us back to March 25, 1990, and a fire that claimed the most lives since the Triangle Shirtwaist fire, wh...
11/10/2023

Today’s takes us back to March 25, 1990, and a fire that claimed the most lives since the Triangle Shirtwaist fire, which coincidentally occurred on the same date in 1911. The Happy Land Social Club fire killed 87, with others injured while jumping from the windows. 150 Firefighters had responded to the blaze, bringing it under control in 5 minutes. It was quickly determined to be arson.
A city-wide task force was formed to look for illegal social clubs. It was staffed by light-duty firefighters, who inspected 2,250 occupancies. An intensive investigation ensued to arrest those responsible for this crime. Fifteen Fire Marshals and forty Detectives from the NYPD conducted the investigation. They soon had a suspect- Julio Gonzalez, whose girlfriend was an employee of Happy Land and had broken up with him that night.

González was charged with 174 counts of murder, two for each victim, and was found guilty on 87 counts of arson and 87 counts of murder on August 19, 1991. For each count, he received the maximum sentence of 25 years to life. He was eligible for parole during March 2015 as New York law states that the sentences for multiple murders occurring during one act must be served concurrently, rather than consecutively. González was denied parole in March 2015.He would have been eligible to apply for parole again in November 2016, but he died in prison on September 13, 2016, at the age of 61.

In April, the Museum opens its next temporary exhibition, which will celebrate and explore the Bureau of Fire Investigation, whose Marshals are tasked with determining the origin and cause of all complex, fatal, and suspicious fires.

🚨  •  Today’s   is from March 3, 1953, when FDNY members battled a five-alarm basement fire at  150th Street and River A...
11/09/2023

🚨 • Today’s is from March 3, 1953, when FDNY members battled a five-alarm basement fire at 150th Street and River Avenue.

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

Are you ready for a festive adventure that will warm your heart and ignite your holiday spirit?Join us for the 2023 Ann...
11/04/2023

Are you ready for a festive adventure that will warm your heart and ignite your holiday spirit?

Join us for the 2023 Annual Santa Rescue On Sunday, December 3rd at 12:00 PM sharp, head down to the New York City Fire Museum for an unforgettable spectacle. Watch in awe as an FDNY ladder truck embarks on a daring mission to rescue Old Saint Nick himself!

Mark your calendar, set your alarm, and make sure to be there on time. This is an event you won't want to miss!

Click link t purchase links!

Get in the holiday spirit during the Santa Rescue on Sunday, December 3 at 12pm sharp! Watch as an FDNY ladder truck rescues Old Saint Nick

🚨 Today's   takes us back exactly two years. On November 3rd, 2021, the FDNY faced two enormous fires- a 5 alarm in Manh...
11/03/2023

🚨 Today's takes us back exactly two years. On November 3rd, 2021, the FDNY faced two enormous fires- a 5 alarm in Manhattan, followed by a 4 alarm in Brooklyn.

The Manhattan fire erupted on Lennox Avenue near West 135th Street at around 3 a.m., not too far from Harlem Hospital. The massive blaze started off as a cockloft fire -- a fire that starts in the void space between the ceiling and the roofing.

The sheer volume of fire required the FDNY to signal a five alarm that brought approximately 250 firefighters and EMS personnel to the scene. Units responded in minutes and found heavy smoke and fire through the roof of a row of businesses.

The Brooklyn fire erupted in Flatbush, on Lenox Road, just before 11 a.m. It escalated to four alarms less than 15 minutes after that and sent dark smoke billowing over the neighborhood.

Firefighters were still on the scene, which was described as "active" an hour later. The cause of the fire was not known and was deemed under control in about two hours. FDNY Chief of Department Thomas Richardson said construction work was being done on the roof, but it was too early to know if that was a factor.

Despite the considerable number of firefighters and EMS at the scenes, thankfully only one firefighter suffered a minor injury.

🚨  •  Today’s TBT is from July 1962 when fire broke out between the fifth-floor ceiling and the roof of St. Mary’s Hospi...
11/02/2023

🚨 • Today’s TBT is from July 1962 when fire broke out between the fifth-floor ceiling and the roof of St. Mary’s Hospital in Brooklyn. More than 100 firefighters contained the blaze within 45 minutes. Patients were evacuated to the lawn area and there were no injuries.

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

👻Happy Halloween 🎃If you're celebrating today it's important to be aware of potential fire safety hazards. 🟠Keep flammab...
10/31/2023

👻Happy Halloween 🎃

If you're celebrating today it's important to be aware of potential fire safety hazards.

🟠Keep flammable decorations away from open flames and heat sources, such as candles, heaters, and light bulbs.

⚫️Use glow sticks or electric candles to light jack-o-lanterns, or use real candles with extreme caution.

🟠Avoid flammable fabrics in costumes and provide children with flashlights or glowsticks for visibility.

⚫️Make sure smoke alarms are functional and exits are clear.

  🚨repost:  October is Fire Prevention Month and the Fund was thrilled to partner with NYCHA (), FDNY () and the NYC Fir...
10/30/2023

🚨repost:

October is Fire Prevention Month and the Fund was thrilled to partner with NYCHA (), FDNY () and the NYC Fire Museum () to host NYCHA Resident Leaders for an Inaugural Fire Safety Symposium! 🚒🧯📛

The Inaugural NYCHA Fire Safety Symposium united NYCHA's resident leaders for a day focused on crucial fire prevention measures. Exclusive access to museum exhibits was coupled with insightful workshops and panel discussions, equipping resident leaders with vital tools and providing them with fire safety and fire prevention information.

NYCHA's commitment to fire prevention was underscored by CEO Lisa Bova-Hiatt, highlighting the pivotal role of the new Fire Safety Department under Director Joe Terranova.

Mr. Terranova noted that the new Fire Safety Department is focused on managing the inspection, testing, maintenance, and repair of all existing fire protection systems at NYCHA, such as sprinklers and fire alarms. He also said that the safety symposium helps support the department’s fire prevention programs, with a goal of starting a dialogue between residents and fire protection professionals about the importance of preventive measures.

Alex Zablocki, Executive Director of the Public Housing Community Fund, stressed the event's importance in disseminating critical fire safety information. 🔥✊



📸: NYCHA

A Look Back🚨: Red-Bibbed Fire Shirt from 1890 on ExhibitIn the museum's second-floor gallery, visitors can explore the r...
10/27/2023

A Look Back🚨: Red-Bibbed Fire Shirt from 1890 on Exhibit

In the museum's second-floor gallery, visitors can explore the rich history of firefighting in New York City from the Dutch colony days to the end of the 19th century. The newest item on display is a Red-Bibbed Fire Shirt from 1890.

Unlike today's firefighters, who wear flame-resistant Bunker gear, gloves, hoods, helmets, and air packs for safety, volunteer firefighters of the past relied on whatever protection they could find. This thick woolen shirt was one such option, providing some defense against burns and keeping firefighters warm in winter. The standardized color and design made it easier for the Foreman to identify his team members and direct them to the right position. Additionally, the bibbed front could be quickly ripped off in case of an emergency.

The shirt on exhibit was specially made as a replacement for a retired firefighter and was worn for ceremonial functions and parades. The Cleary Uniform Company, based in Brooklyn, NY, produced it. The Museum has several of these shirts in its collection, and they will be rotated for display purposes to ensure their preservation.

10/26/2023

It's ! NEW podcast episode is available!
•••
In this episode of Throwback FDNY… in 1924, the FDNY is presented with its official flag. In 1927, a spectacular fire at the Sherry Netherland Hotel lights up the night sky. And in 1942, Sidney Klein becomes a New York City firefighter.
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Check it out and please subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.
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Presented by the New York City Fire Museum with support from the FDNY and the FDNY Foundation.

10/26/2023

It's ! NEW podcast episode is available!
•••
In this episode of Throwback FDNY… in 1924, the FDNY is presented with its official flag. In 1927, a spectacular fire at the Sherry Netherland Hotel lights up the night sky. And in 1942, Sidney Klein becomes a New York City firefighter.
•••
Check it out and please subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.
•••
Presented by the New York City Fire Museum with support from the FDNY and the FDNY Foundation

🚨repost •  Today’s   takes us to February 1949, when a four-alarm fire swept through a two-story ice cream factory on Ro...
10/26/2023

🚨repost • Today’s takes us to February 1949, when a four-alarm fire swept through a two-story ice cream factory on Rochester Avenue in Brooklyn. Firefighters brought the fire under control in about an hour.

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

The New York City Fire Museum, in partnership with the Public Housing Community Fund and the New York City Housing Autho...
10/23/2023

The New York City Fire Museum, in partnership with the Public Housing Community Fund and the New York City Housing Authority, launched a fire safety education initiative. Nearly 100 NYCHA Resident Leaders and other guests attended a training session on building and fire safety with speakers including FDNY Chief of Department John Hodgens, FDNY Chief Fire Marshal Daniel Flynn, and Alex Zablocki, the Executive Director of the Public Housing Community Fund. Attendees learned about fire and building safety, root causes of fires, and measures to protect themselves and neighbors from fire dangers from trainers and a panel of experts. The initiative is aimed at raising awareness and taking proactive measures to protect communities and loved ones.

Today’s   🚨 takes us back to the late 1970’s, and the South Bronx.  The now famous slogan “The Bronx is Burning,” attrib...
10/20/2023

Today’s 🚨 takes us back to the late 1970’s, and the South Bronx. The now famous slogan “The Bronx is Burning,” attributed to Howard Cosell during the 1977 baseball World Series (although researchers have determined those exact words were not said), was a reality for the residents and firefighters of the area. Entire blocks were being decimated by arson and carelessness, and the FDNY was responding to up to 40 fires per day. The firefighters were overworked and exhausted. There were not just working fires and other emergencies. There were hundreds of false alarms called in every day. For the FDNY, these were “The War Years.”

Parts of this chaotic period were well documented. Museum Founding Chairman Dennis Smith, while a firefighter at Engine 82 in the South Bronx, and photographer Jill Freedman teamed to publish the esteemed book “Firehouse.” The book showed the dedication the FDNY showed in combating the fires and daily life in the firehouse.

While both Dennis and Jill have sadly passed, their work lives on at the New York City Fire Museum. The exhibition “Firehouse: The Photography of Jill Freedman” is on view on the museum’s first floor through the end of the year. The book has been republished, educating a new generation about the time period, and is available at the museum.

Happy Birthday to Jill Freedman! Today on  , we want to celebrate her life and achievements. Jill was a renowned photogr...
10/19/2023

Happy Birthday to Jill Freedman! Today on , we want to celebrate her life and achievements. Jill was a renowned photographer, and her work is still admired and appreciated today. We are honored to display some of her photographs on our first floor, and we highly recommend her republished book "Firehouse," which is available for purchase in our online shop or in-store. Jill's work has had a significant impact on the world of photography, and we are grateful for her contributions to the art form. Once again, Happy Birthday, Jill Freedman! ❤🔥

The Museum has just unveiled a new exhibit called "Becoming the Bravest." This exhibit celebrates the journey that every...
10/18/2023

The Museum has just unveiled a new exhibit called "Becoming the Bravest." This exhibit celebrates the journey that every firefighter takes, from the newly graduated to the Chief of Department, starting at the Probationary Firefighter School on Randall's Island. Featuring artifacts, photos, and videos from the department and the Museum's collection, this exhibit aims to educate visitors about the remarkable path that is required to become one of New York's Bravest.

"Becoming the Bravest" will be open to visitors until early 2024.

  The Museum will open a new special exhibit this Wednesday, "Becoming the Bravest." The focal point of the new exhibit ...
10/16/2023

The Museum will open a new special exhibit this Wednesday, "Becoming the Bravest." The focal point of the new exhibit will be that all firefighters - from the newly graduated to the Chief of Department- all started in the same place: The Probationary Firefighter School at the Fire Academy on Randall's Island. Using artifacts and photographs from the Museum's collection, as well as information, photographs, and video supplied by the Department, the Museum will educate visitors about the incredible journey undertaken to become New York's Bravest.

"Becoming the Bravest" will be open through early 2024.

Today’s Flashback Friday highlights one of the most ornate objects in the museum’s collection : a highly ornamented bras...
10/13/2023

Today’s Flashback Friday highlights one of the most ornate objects in the museum’s collection : a highly ornamented brass chandelier created on a firefighting motif. The chandelier, whose creator is unknown, was purchased from an antique store in Mobile, Alabama in 1943 by Harold Smith of the Home Insurance Company for his private collection (which he later donated to the New York City Fire Museum). The purchase price was $160.73, which equates to approximately $2600 in current dollars.

According to our documentation, this chandelier was one of a pair installed in a volunteer fire station in Mobile. According to the owner of the antique store, the other had been destroyed but had no other details.

The chandelier is heavily ornamented with firefighter figures and equipment. There are four 12” tall firefighters holding torches, with ladders, hoses, axes, hooks, and speaking trumpets attached in clusters both above and below the figures. The chandelier was originally powered by gas, but has since been converted to electricity.

The chandelier can be seen hanging on the museum’s second floor.

🚨repost🚨 - October 8 – 14 is National Fire Prevention Week, a great time to remind yourself and your family members abou...
10/11/2023

🚨repost🚨 - October 8 – 14 is National Fire Prevention Week, a great time to remind yourself and your family members about the importance of fire safety. Don’t forget to test your smoke alarm to make sure it still works. Smoke alarms save lives and can increase your chance of survival in the event of a fire.

For more life saving tips, go to FDNYSmart.org

We want to extend a big thank you to Lendlease for their generous support in sending out crews to the Museum on their co...
10/10/2023

We want to extend a big thank you to Lendlease for their generous support in sending out crews to the Museum on their community service day. We are grateful for their hard work and dedication! ❤️‍🔥

  On October 5, 1858, the New York Crystal Palace burned to the ground in just forty minutes after a fire broke out in a...
10/06/2023

On October 5, 1858, the New York Crystal Palace burned to the ground in just forty minutes after a fire broke out in a lumber room in the northeast corner of the building just after five o’clock in the evening.

The London Crystal Palace, which celebrated the achievements of the world, inspired other cities to host their own World Fair. Using the latest technology, the New York Crystal Palace was constructed of hundreds of glass panels placed on an iron framework. The center of the building was topped with a dome, one hundred feet in diameter.

The American Institute, a civic organization dedicated to “encouraging and promoting domestic industry,” was holding its annual fair, and about two thousand visitors were in the building at the time. The New York Herald (October 6, 1858) reported that despite scenes of “indescribable confusion,” remarkably no one was killed in the fast-moving blaze, as the visitors were quickly evacuated by firefighters. Within fifteen minutes its dome fell and in twenty-five minutes the entire structure had burned to the ground, which was ironic because the designers and builders had deemed the building “fireproof”. The loss of property amounted to more than $350,000 (over $13,000,000 in current dollars). This included the building, valued at $125,000, and exhibits and valuable statuary remaining from the World's Fair.

  🚨 Today’s FDNY   photos are from October, 1974 – The annual FDNY Memorial Day Service at the Firemen's Monument in Man...
10/05/2023

🚨 Today’s FDNY photos are from October, 1974 – The annual FDNY Memorial Day Service at the Firemen's Monument in Manhattan.

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

  🚨 At 12:25 am on February 27, 1975, a fire alarm box was pulled from outside The New York Telephone Company switching ...
09/29/2023

🚨 At 12:25 am on February 27, 1975, a fire alarm box was pulled from outside The New York Telephone Company switching center at 204 2nd Avenue at 13th Street. The fire broke out in the basement cable vault, where underground cables entered the building. Upon arrival, firefighters found the entire building filled with smoke, as the fire spread vertically through cable access points. The incident quickly escalated to 5 alarms, bringing approximately 700 firefighters from 72 units, and was finally declared under control at 4:46 pm. The fire caused a massive disruption in phone service in the city, with 175,000 customers affected, including the 911 system, three hospitals, and three police precincts. Service was completely restored in 23 days.

While 5 alarm blazes are rare, this incident receives special consideration. Although no firefighters were killed at the scene, they were exposed to a wide range of toxins when the insulation coating the cables burned. Many developed cancer, and the department placed a red stamp on their medical record to show their presence at the fire. By the 1990s the City of New York considered cancer in firefighters to be job-related, and compensated them by paying a 75% pension rather than the standard 50%.

09/28/2023

It's ! NEW podcast episode is available!
•••
In this episode of Throwback FDNY… in 1922, the Department gets its first official photographer. In 1939, the Fire Bell Club of New York is organized. And in 1975, a bomb explodes next to the historic Fraunces Tavern.
•••
Check it out and please subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.
•••
Presented by the New York City Fire Museum with support from the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) and the FDNY Foundation.

  •  Today’s FDNY   photos are from September, 1966 – FDNY Firefighters battling a 4-alarm fire in a row of stores at 98...
09/28/2023

• Today’s FDNY photos are from September, 1966 – FDNY Firefighters battling a 4-alarm fire in a row of stores at 98-108 Queens Blvd. in Queens.

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

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278 Spring Street
New York, NY
10013

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Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 10am - 5pm
Friday 10am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 5pm
Sunday 9am - 5pm

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(212) 691-1303

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