pennsylvania national fire museum

We had a couple of hours to kill, so decided to visit here. Good choice, as the quality of the building and exhibits is very good. You can see fire fighting equipment from the late 1700's through just after WW2. Fascinating to see how fire fighting has progressed over the years. The displays are well documented, with large written explanations of what you are seeing and why it is significant. Not the sort of place you can make a day of, but you can see it all in 1 - 2 hours. Nominal admission charge to help sustain the facility.

We visited the museum during a week-long stay in the area. Admittedly biased as we are both professional firefighters, my boyfriend and I were overwhelmed by the hospitality of both museum volunteers and in awe of the quality, attention to detail, and evidence of dedication in creating such a beautiful museum. Everyone involved should be so proud of their hard work; the museum is a testament to the heart of firefighting itself. Everything is presented in an engaging, respectful, and honorable way; the museum really is a gem and should not be missed. There's so much there for anyone who has ever taken an extra second to listen to a siren; the evidence of such hard work and dedication can only be a reflection of the same in Harrisburg's bravest.

This museum has an awesome display of fire equipment and the building is just immaculate! Do not miss the opportunity to see this beautiful museum!

I had the opportunity to visit the museum on Sunday, September 14, 2014. Arriving just as the museum opened, I was heartily greeted by a museum volunteer. We had an opening conversation about the museum and its contents. Speaking of contents, they are varied, from apparatus, to display case, to a working fire alarm office. The history of the museum is centered around an effort to save a Harrisburg fire house which was weeks, if not days away from being slated for demolition. The original building was renovated. A detailed addition was incorporated. The interior craftsman work is second to none. The design of the entire building permits easy change out of exhibits, even to include the motorized apparatus. I recommend planning at least two hours for an in depth visit.

Great Museum, Staff was very friendly and informative. They have a whole bunch of Old Fire Trucks and equipment which is interesting to see. It is worth the 6 dollar admission fee

Everyone on our five family, three generation trip found lots of things to appreciate. We ranged in age from nearly 3 to nearly 67 and there was plenty to grab our different perspectives and interests and be appreciated from our different respective elevations! The volunteer docents are knowledgeable and articulate. Our guide, a third generation firefighter, was able to connect well with all in our group pointing out items of interest to all of us. A good storyteller, he wove his personal history appropriately and reinforcingly into his narrative about the displayed items. Operated in a beautifully restored fire house, the everyday life of a century-ago firefighter is on full display. An “audio diorama” gets the docent-directed tour just inside the main doors off with a galloping start.The sharp clang of an alarm bell starts the minutes long and sometimes raucous narrative of horses being quickly harnessed for a mad dash down Fourth Street to a years-ago extinguished pseudo-blaze. The museum mannequins - human and equestrian - with expressions of excitement, anticipation and urgency draw visitors further into the action. Only one thing is missing – the olfactory impacts of the horses, steam-pumps and hopefully simulated horse exhaust lying on the stall floor.The rest of the tour is less boisterous, but no less interesting! With regularly changing display photos from local fire companies and an extensive compliment of surplus items that can be cycled into various areas of the museum, there will always be new things to see. The quality of the equipment and apparatus on display, the attention to accuracy and detail and the pride of participation shown by the 100% fire service connected volunteers on staff make this experience worth the trip. This museum reflects well on the thousands of volunteer firefighters who serve across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the Country. Whether in station or on scene, these people have my respect.

I'm a little biased; as a volunteer firefighter, I love this place. But I think everyone - of all ages - would enjoy this little gem tucked away in the City. It encompasses the history of the fire service in Harrisburg, PA. A must do when visiting the area. Not the best neighborhood, but you should have no issues during the day. Free off-street parking at the museum.

Whether you are a firefighter or a history buff, this is a great place to stop by. It is completely volunteer based, which makes it even more impressive. Staff is so friendly!!

If you are a firefighter history buff this is the place to go. Staff was very friendly and informative. Located in century of Victorian Firehouse. It has a great collections of aritfacts.

Good museum of the history. Very friendly staff. Takes about an hour, well worth it if you have any interest in firefighting history.

This is a great event. We have attended two years in a row now. Lots of great demonstrations and seminars. Tons of vendors with really good prices on everyday horse items and lots of vendors sell unqiue items. The Theatre Eques show is absolutely wonderful...don't miss it!

This was one of the best fire museums I have ever toured. The retired volunteers (it seemed mostly firemen/women) who run the museum were great! The facility is an original firestation that was restored and houses many antique fire trucks and even tells of how they used to be horse drawn. Just a great place to visit with TONS of history and although I didn't have any kids with me, I'm sure they would get a big kick out of going there!

This is a well organized, educational experience for children as well as adults. Certainly worth scheduling time to enjoy this center city Harrisburg gem.

First stop at a fire museum and we were impressed! As two firefighters ourselves we were interested in the history of firefighting in the Harrisburg area. Lots of historical pieces to look at (old uniforms, gear, equipment, etc) in a beautiful building! A must-see for firefighters!

Friendly tour guide and lots of polished brass on the horse drawn fire engines. Nice outing for adults and kids to downtown Harrisburg.