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.
Virtual Tour
See Friendship Firehouse on the VisitAlexandria 360 virtual tour.
News and Information
- Spotlight on History Newsletter. Download our digital newsletter for The Lyceum and Friendship Firehouse Museum here.
Saving Historic Fire-fighting Vehicles
Help us preserve two important fire-fighting vehicles on display at Friendship Firehouse Museum: The Rodgers Suction Engine, built in 1851, and the Prettyman Hose Carriage, built in Alexandria in 1858.
Activities and Events
Join us for events and activities throughout the year. Children visiting the museum are invited to go on our history hunt and explore firefighting history through hands-on objects. For adults and youth, special guided firefighting history tours are offered in the spring and fall. Visit us during one of our annual Open House days on Presidents' Day, Fathers’ Day and Mothers’ Day. The Friendship Veterans Fire Engine Association holds its Firehouse Festival on the first Saturday in August. This popular family event celebrates the founding of the Friendship Fire Company and features antique and modern fire apparatus, public safety exhibitors, craft booths, and displays by Alexandria artists. We also offer Birthday Parties by reservation. We look forward to seeing you soon!
Scheduled Events:
Address
Friendship Firehouse Museum
107 S. Alfred Street
Alexandria, Virginia 22314
Phone: 703.746.3891
Fax: 703.838.4997
Email
Museum Hours
Saturday and Sunday: 1 - 4 p.m.
Monday - Friday: Closed
Closed: New Year's Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day
American Alliance of Museums
Accredited Museum