Skip to main content
You're logged in with MyAlex  |  Logout

City of Alexandria, VA

Search results cleared

Include archived pages
Most of the content here is written in English. Translate your search to find more content? Translating "" to English... Searching for English phrase ""
  • Live
  • Play
  • Services
  • Business
  • Government
  • Projects & Plans
  • Calendar
  • I want to…

Friendship Firehouse Museum

The Friendship Fire Company was established in 1774, as the first volunteer fire company in Alexandria. The current firehouse was built in 1855, was substantially remodeled in 1871, and was restored by the City of Alexandria in 1992.
Page updated on May 14, 2025 at 10:52 AM

Museums

  • Historic Alexandria (Home)
  • Alexandria Archaeology Museum
  • Alexandria Black History Museum
  • Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum
  • Fort Ward Museum & Historic Site
  • Freedom House Museum
  • Friendship Firehouse Museum
  • Gadsby's Tavern Museum
  • Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum
  • Visit Other Historic Sites
    • African American Heritage Park
    • Alexandria Union Station
    • Contrabands and Freedmen Cemetery Memorial
    • Lloyd House
    • Murray-Dick-Fawcett House
  • African American History Division
  • Alexandria Community Remembrance Project
  • Alexandria Oral History Center
  • Archives & Records Center
  • Educational Resources
  • Historic Preservation
  • History of Alexandria
  • Museum Collections
  • News Releases
  • Plan your Visit
  • Rentals and Private Events
  • Self-Guided Tours
  • Stay Connected
  • Support Historic Alexandria
    • Make a Gift
    • Become a Member
    • Join a Commission
    • Volunteer

Share

Share on Twitter Share on Facebook
Translate icon
Translate icon
XWARNING: You have chosen to translate this page using an automated translation system. This translation has not been reviewed by the City of Alexandria and may contain errors.

Friendship Firehouse Museum

Friendship Firehouse exterior

In a town of mostly wooden buildings, where open flames provided heat, light and cooking on a daily basis, fire was a constant danger. The Friendship, Sun, Relief, Hydraulion and other local volunteer fire companies served the community faithfully, particularly during enormous blazes in 1827, 1855, 1871, and 1922. Some of their stories and equipment are preserved today in the Friendship Firehouse Museum.

The museums' historic firefighting vehicles include the Rodgers Suction Engine (1851) and the Prettyman Hose Carriage (1858).

Visit the museum and come to the annual Friendship Firehouse Festival and other special events.

Museum Social Impact in Practice!

Help Shape the Future of Alexandria’s Museums: Participate in a Social Impact Study!

Help Shape the Future of Alexandria’s Museums: Participate in a Social Impact Study! The Office of Historic Alexandria is one of forty institutions from across the nation participating in this study.

Visit Friendship Firehouse Museum

Weathervane depicting a firefighter

Plan Your Visit

Friendship Firehouse will be open on Saturdays March 29, April 19, May 17, June 14, and July 19. This page has admission information and directions to assist in planning your visit.

Exhibit case at Friendship Firehouse with horn and hat

On View

The Friendship, Sun, Relief, Hydraulion and other local volunteer fire companies served the community, and some of their stories and equipment are preserved today in the Friendship Firehouse Museum.

Friendship Firehouse Meeting Room with Exhibits

Rentals and Private Events

The first floor engine room exhibit area and second floor meeting room can be rented for meetings and private events.

About Friendship Firehouse

The Friendship Fire Company preparing for a parade, 1905

History of Friendship Fire Company

The Friendship Fire Company was established in 1774, as the first volunteer fire company in Alexandria. The current firehouse was built in 1855, was substantially remodeled in 1871, and was restored by the City of Alexandria in 1992.

The Rodgers suction engine back in place in the museum

Historic Firefighting Vehicles

The Rodgers Suction Engine (1851) and the Prettyman Hose Carriage (1858) illuminate the history of firefighting in Alexandria. Learn about the vehicles and their ongoing conservation.

Friendship Firehouse Learn From Home ladder activity

Learn from Home: Educational Resources

Learn from home. Try activities, check out a book, or follow a link to explore Friendship Firehouse Museum, firefighting history, and fire safety at home.

Special Events

Friendship Firehouse Festival, street view, 2022

The Annual Friendship Firehouse Festival

The popular family event features antique fire apparatus, outdoor events, and visits to the Friendship Firehouse Museum, originally built as a firehouse in 1855. 

Support Friendship Firehouse

FVFEA members and Fire Chief Corey Smedley help to move the hose reel

Friendship Veterans Fire Engine Association

Membership in this historic Friendship Veterans Fire Engine Association (FVFEA) is open to all who enjoy the rich heritage of the American fire service. 

Friendship Firehouse Festival, pumper, 2022

Make a Gift

Celebrate the power and impact of community philanthropy by supporting Friendship Firehouse and Historic Alexandria!

More Information

Contact the Museum

Friendship Firehouse Museum
107 S. Alfred Street
Alexandria, Virginia 22314
Phone: 703.746.3891

Contact the Museum (Alex311)

Mission Statement

The mission of City staff regarding the Friendship Firehouse Museum is to preserve this structure as an historical record, and facilitate public use and enjoyment of the history that it represents.

Social Media

Stay Connected with Historic Alexandria

  • Like us on Facebook: Friendship Firehouse Museum
  • Friendship Firehouse
  • Historic Alexandria
  • Historic Sites
  • Museums
Contact Us
Alex311 | 703.746.4311
Follow Us
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
Visitor Information

VisitAlexandriaVA.com

  • Emergency Hotlines
  • Social Media
  • Privacy & Legal
  • FOIA Requests
  • Departments
  • Jobs
  • Payments

Alexandria City Hall
301 King Street
Alexandria, VA 22314

City of Alexandria Seal
© 1995–2023 City of Alexandria, VA and others.
Hold on, redirecting...