Fire Museum of Memphis facts for kids
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| Established | 1998 |
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| Location | 118 Adams Ave., Memphis, Tennessee |
| Type | Fire Museum |
| Public transit access |  MATA Trolley: Main Street Line or Riverfront Loop at Jefferson Ave. Station |
The Fire Museum of Memphis is a super cool place located in Memphis, Tennessee, USA. It's right in the middle of downtown Memphis. This museum is known as one of the best fire museums in the country!
Its main goal is to show the history of firefighting in Memphis. It also teaches everyone about fire safety and how to stay safe in emergencies. The museum even helps other fire departments learn from its success. When the museum opened in October 1998, it helped lower the number of fire-related deaths in the area. Local schools can even visit for free! The museum has lots of fun, hands-on displays and videos. In 2014, the museum got a big update with many new features.
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Explore the Exhibits: What You'll See!
The Fire Museum of Memphis is inside an old building called Fire Engine House No. 1. This building was built way back in 1910! Inside the museum, you can see amazing things from the late 1800s and early 1900s.
Historic Fire Trucks and Gear
You'll find several old fire engines that the Memphis Fire Department used. Imagine these huge machines rushing to fires long ago! Some of the cool trucks on display include:
- 1910 Crump Steamer
- 1912 American LaFrance
- 1929 American LaFrance Pumper
Besides the trucks, there's lots of other old firefighting equipment. You can see historic uniforms, different kinds of Firefighter's helmets from America and Europe, badges, and lanterns. There are also antique fire toys and tiny models of fire engines.
Interactive Fun and Learning
One of the most exciting parts is the fire simulation room. Here, you can safely experience what it feels like when a fire starts in a house. You'll even feel the heat! It's a safe way to understand how quickly fires can spread.
There are also video stations where you can learn about the history of the Memphis Fire Department. You can also watch videos about the "Great Fires of Memphis." A detailed model of Fire Station No. 1 shows you exactly how the building looked in 1910.
For younger visitors, there's an Arcade Room. Here, kids can play special video games that teach them about fire and life safety in a fun way.
Hands-On Firefighter Experience
Kids of all ages can pretend to be firefighters! You can play on real fire equipment, like a crew cabin from an E-One fire truck. You can also explore an actual ambulance unit and a Ward-LaFrance Pumper.
Ever wanted to slide down a fireman's brass pole? You can do that here! You can also practice crawling through an escape maze. This helps you learn how to find your way to a safe Family Meeting Place in an emergency.
Don't forget to meet Ol' Billy! He's an animatronic talking horse. He's special because he's the only horse to ever retire from the Memphis Fire Department. He'll share amazing stories about the department's history.
Plan Your Visit
The museum is open from Monday to Saturday, from 9 AM to 4:30 PM. On Sundays, it's open from 1 PM to 4:30 PM. It's a popular spot for birthday parties and other special events!
Admission costs $10 for adults and $8 for children. Kids aged 2 and under get in for free. Seniors and military members also pay $8.
More to Learn
- Fire safety
- Fire station
- List of museums in Tennessee
