
Friendship Firehouse Museum

Friendship Firehouse Museum

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 Open Houses and the annual Friendship Firehouse Festival.
Visit Friendship Firehouse
Special Events
More Information
Contact the Museum
Friendship Firehouse Museum
107 S. Alfred Street
Alexandria, Virginia 22314
Phone: 703.746.3891
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
Programs 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 look forward to seeing you soon!
On View
On View at Friendship Firehouse Museum
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. The Engine Room houses fire-fighting equipment, while the Meeting Room displays ceremonial objects used by these community organizations.
Learn more about Alexandria's Historic Fire-Fighting Vehicles
Save Alexandria's Historic Fire-Fighting Vehicles
In the Spirit of Friendship, help to save Alexandria's Historic Fire-Fighting Vehicles.
The Friendship Veterans Fire Engine Association is now leading the effort to restore the Rodgers suction hand engine. The goal is to preserve the equipment so current and future generations can see how early firefighting operations were conducted, and how fire apparatus has evolved from the 19th century. Please donate today.
The historic Prettyman hose reel carriage was conserved and returned to display in the Firehouse in April 2022, thanks to generous support.
Rentals and Private Events
The first floor engine room exhibit area and second floor meeting room can be rented for meetings and private events.
Friendship Veterans Fire Engine Association
Friendship Veterans Fire Engine Association
The Friendship Veterans Fire Engine Association invites you to join and become a member of the oldest fire company in Alexandria and one of the 12 most honored fire companies in the country.