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 Jun 22, 2021 at 7:22 PM

Friendship Firehouse Museum

Friendship Firehouse Building PhotographIn 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.

Covid-19 Operational Guidelines

OHA established the following guidelines to ensure consistent operations during the COVID-19 pandemic. All museums are participating in the ALX Promise Gold program. Staff will regularly re-evaluate these guidelines throughout 2021, based on guidance from the CDC, Commonwealth of Virginia, and the Virginia Health Department.

STAY CONNECTED!

Follow the Alexandria History Museum on social media and sign up for eNews and join the  Friendship Veterans Fire Engine Association.
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Virtual Tour

Visit the  Friendship Firehouse Museum on a Google 360 virtual tour.

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Open One Saturday a Month: Friendship Firehouse Museum

Friendship Firehouse Museum is open one Saturday each month, 11 a.m. -- 5 p.m. Dates for the remainder of 2021 are July 17, August 7, September 11, October 9, November 13 and December 2021. Plan your visit, and join us on August 7 for the annual Friendship Firehouse Festival.

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The Annual Friendship Firehouse Festival

Join us on Saturday, August 7, for the free 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. 

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Saving the Historic Fire-fighting Vehicles

The vehicles and exhibits at Friendship Firehouse Museum illuminate the history of firefighting in Alexandria. Years of hard use took their toll on the suction hand engine and hose-reel carriage, but when they are fully conserved, the apparatus’ paint history will be stabilized and preserved for future generations to enjoy.   

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Educational Resources at Friendship Firehouse

Find firefighting learning resources for your students (Pre-K through 8th grade), scouts or other group. Learn from home with fun activities, books, and links to explore Friendship Firehouse Museum, firefighting history, and fire safety at home.

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Activities and Events at Friendship Firehouse

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 for special Open House days, and for the Firehouse Festival on the first Saturday in August. 

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Plan Your Visit to Friendship Firehouse

Location, hours, directions, and everything you need to know to visit Friendship Firehouse Museum.
Parking and Trolley Map 

Museum Hours

Open one Saturday per month, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. 

  • July 17, 2021
  • August 7, 2021 - Friendship Firehouse Festival
  • September 11, 2021
  • October 9, 2021 - Fire Prevention Week
  • November 13, 2021
  • December 18, 2021

Closed
New Year's Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day

Email the Museum

Email the Friendship Firehouse Museum

Event Tickets

To purchase tickets to events at the Friendship Firehouse Museum, and to shop online, visit  The Alexandria Shop. 

American Alliance of Museums logo 

American Alliance of Museums
Accredited Museum 

 


 

 

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