Explore Alexandria’s Firefighting History Tomorrow at the Friendship Firehouse Museum!
Step back in time and discover the courageous stories behind Alexandria’s first volunteer fire company! This Saturday, visit the Friendship Firehouse Museum, where history comes to life through fascinating artifacts, restored equipment, and tales of community heroism.
Founded in 1774, the Friendship Fire Company was Alexandria’s first fire company in Alexandria. Staffed entirely by volunteers, these brave citizens were driven by a deep commitment to protect their neighbors and their city. The firehouse you’ll visit—built in 1855—is now a museum that honors their legacy.
Don’t miss the chance to see the newly conserved Rodgers Suction Engine, a stunning piece of firefighting history, crafted by Robert Prettyman right here in Alexandria. You’ll also find an impressive collection of early firefighting tools including buckets, hoses, axes, and ceremonial regalia like helmets and capes.
Learn how the fire company helped shape the city—not just by fighting fires, but also by marching in parades and taking part in civic ceremonies. Inside the historic Meeting Room, you’ll gain insight into their public service and community spirit.
Friendship Firehouse Museum – Open July 19, 2025
11a.m. – 5 p.m.
107 South Alfred Street, Old Town Alexandria
Admission: $2 for adults | Free for children 5 and under and City of Alexandria residents
Learn more at AlexandriaVA.gov/FriendshipFirehouse
Come celebrate local history and community pride—see you at the firehouse!
About the Office of Historic Alexandria
The Office of Historic Alexandria preserves and shares the history of the City of Alexandria with eight museums, historic sites, archives, archaeology, tours, exhibits and public programs. Through powerful storytelling and confronting the City’s past, Historic Alexandria enriches the present and inspires the future. We enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors and serve as a partner in the City’s equity and inclusion initiatives. For more information, visit alexandriava.gov/Historic.
For reasonable disability accommodation, contact Nicole Quinn at historicalexandria@alexandriava.gov or call 703.746.4554, Virginia Relay 711.
If you prefer communication in another language, free interpretation and translation services are available to you, please email LanguageAccess@alexandriava.gov or call 703-746-3960.