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 Feb 27, 2019 at 5:02 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.

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!

STAY CONNECTED!

Sign up for eNews and join the  Friendship Veterans Fire Engine Association.

Virtual Tour

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

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Walking Tours and Specialty Tours

Come to a Docent-Led tour of the Firehouse on March 30, visit sites of significant fires and learn about early firefighting technology in a walking tour on April 13, learn about firefighting during the Civil War occupation of Alexandria in a walking tour on May 11. Tickets required -- purchase online at The Alexandria Shop.

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Mother’s Day and Father’s Day Open Houses

Friendship Firehouse is open free for Mothers and Fathers (and their families) on their special day. See the suction pumper and other historic equipment that fought fires in 19th – century Alexandria. Youngsters will receive a fire hat to take home. For 2019, Mother’s Day is celebrated on Sunday May 12, and Father’s Day is Sunday June 16, open 1-4 p.m. 

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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 

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Schedule a Program for your Class or Group

"Citizen Firefighters in Early Alexandria" explores how community volunteers fought fires in colonial and early nineteenth-century Alexandria. Participants see historic equipment which was actually used for fighting fires by the Friendship Fire Company and, through role play, learn colonial firefighting techniques.  

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Birthday Parties

Does your child love fire engines? Then experience the historic Friendship Firehouse and become the newest “member” of the fire brigade. Kids will take part in role-playing games and activities to help them earn their fire hat and badge. Wrap up the party with a parade using a banner the kids designed themselves! Download this informational flyer.

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To the Rescue!

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.

Museum Hours

Saturday and Sunday: 1 - 4 p.m.
Monday - Friday: Closed
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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