Memphis Fire Services

Fire Museum

Mission Statement:

The mission of the Fire Museum is to be nationally recognized as the finest fire museum in the country, and thereby to serve as a significant contributor to the economic well-being of Memphis, to reduce loss of lives and property by increasing fire safety awareness, and to be a catalyst to downtown development.

Mural on wall of Fire Museum

In its first two years of existence, the Fire Museum of Memphis has already become widely recognized as the finest fire museum in the world dedicated to safety and education. With its high-tech, interactive exhibits, the museum has received inquiries from across the United States and some foreign countries.

Based on the feedback received from numerous fire departments, it is apparent that the Memphis Fire Department and the Fire Museum of Memphis are uniquely positioned to bring other major American cities together in a common cause - that of educating millions of people about the dangers of fire.

Description

The Fire Museum of Memphis is an interactive attraction appealing to school children, families, fire buffs, conventioneers and tourists. Inside the museum, visitors will find the history of fire fighting in the Memphis area, educational exhibitions and fire
safety information.

Attractions

Major attractions exceed $5.5 million:
The Fire Room, Ol' Billy (the talking horse), Hale Water Tower, Historic Fires exhibit, Black Firefighters exhibit, EMS exhibit (ambulance box), The Ladder Company game, Fire Safety House, & The Escape Maze.

Location

The renovated Fire Engine House No. 1 at 118 Adams in downtown Memphis.

Date Opened:

October 10, 1998

Funding Sources

  • Ticket sales, special events, birthday parties, gift shop revenues
  • Private sector donations
  • City of Memphis grant
  • Shelby County loan
  • Memphis fire-fighters Red Door Fund
  • Governance 501(c)3

Fire Safety Programs and Exhibits

Fire Safety Education Programs

The Memphis Fire Department has public education division personnel who educate school children in a classroom setting. This program operates from the museum. The fire educators are also available for guided tours.

Exhibits

  • Modern Technology Gallery
  • Fire Safety Education Center
  • The Fire Room
  • Fire Safety House
  • Fire Safety Arcade
  • Black Firefighters
  • The Escape Maze
  • Fire Setting - Arson
  • Historic and Modern Firefighting Equipment
  • Historic Fires
  • Fire House Living
  • EMS Box
  • 911


 

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