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 5, 2022 at 8:33 PM

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 Open Houses and the annual Friendship Firehouse Festival.

What's New

Detail of Hose Carriage, after Conservation in 2022

Historic Hose Carriage Returns to Friendship Firehouse Museum

The historic hose carriage returned to Friendship Firehouse Museum on April 30. The Friendship Fire Company’s ornate hose-reel carriage, purchased in 1858, has been off-site for much-needed conservation treatment. Come see the carriage in the museum on its next open days, May 14 and June 11.
Installing the wood shingles on the oldest section of the house

City of Alexandria Celebrates Preservation Month 2022

May is Preservation Month, a time when communities across the country celebrate historic preservation locally. The City is hosting a series of events to highlight Alexandria’s historic preservation initiatives whether you want to hear experts on the Murray-Dick-Fawcett House, learn about hands-on archaeological practices, tour a site, or view the newly restored 1858 Prettyman Fire Hose Reel Carriage, the 2019 Virginia’s Top Endangered artifact.

Visit Friendship Firehouse

Exhibits in the Engine Room, Friendship Firehoue.

Visit Friendship Firehouse

Friendship Firehouse Museum is open one Saturday each month, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Upcoming dates include February 19, March 12, April 16, May 14 and June 11. This page has admission information and directions to assist in planning your visit.

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.

Friendship Firehouse's Rodgers Pumper

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.

Special Events

Friendship Firehouse Festival street scene (2000)

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. 

Friendship Firehouse Father's Day Open House. Family wearing fire hats, with the Suction Pumper (2004)

Open Houses

Friendship Firehouse is open free for Mothers and Fathers on their special day. Visit with your family on Mother's or Father's Day and be an honorary Chief of the Friendship Fire Company Bucket Brigade!

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.

More Information

Contact the Museum

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

Contact the Museum (Alex311)

Programs and Events

Programs and Events

Steam Engine on display outside of Friendship Firehouse Museum
Steam Engine on display outside of Friendship Firehouse Museum, during the annual festival.

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

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.