If you are looking for a great place to spend an afternoon, you should check out the Hall of Flame Fire Museum in Phoenix. It is located at 6101 E Van Buren St, Phoenix, AZ 85008. It is an acre-plus museum dedicated to fire history and features more than ninety fully restored pieces of fire equipment from around the world. From horse-drawn fire carriages from the 1850s to mid to late-century rigid-frame trucks, you will find something for everyone at this museum.
If you love fire trucks, you will love the Hall of Flame Fire Museum in Phoenix. It is home to a large collection of fire apparatuses dating back to 1725. You will also find a hands-on exhibit on fire safety. The Hall of Flame began as a small hobby of one man in 1955, when George Getz received an antique fire engine for Christmas. The collection soon grew, and today, the museum is home to over 130 hand-drawn and horse-powered fire apparatuses. The museum also features a large selection of parade vehicles and ambulances.
The museum is free to enter and includes exhibits dedicated to four different eras. The exhibits are housed in a 50-seat theater, surrounded by cases of fire helmets. There is also a 9/11 display, a database of firefighters recognized for bravery, and a 2,000-square-foot exhibit area that details the safety of firefighting. Throughout the museum, you will find a treasure trove of fire equipment and history.
Another fascinating museum in Phoenix is the Arizona Firefighters Memorial. The museum displays old firefighting equipment from 1725, and traces the evolution of firefighting technology and training. The area has many mineral deposits, and one of the most valuable ones was copper, which the early settlers sought out. Copper mining operations continue today. A visit to this museum will teach you more about the history of the state and the people that live there.
Admission is free, and most visitors will need about an hour to explore the museum’s galleries. Special interest groups may want to spend longer, so make sure to bring a snack or lunch before you go. Alternatively, if you want to have a more educational visit, you can sign up for the Junior Firefighters Workshop, which is a hands-on experience that helps kids learn the basics of firefighting.
You may be surprised by the museum’s collection of antique fire helmets. These are from different countries, and date from many centuries. A German fire helmet, for example, looks like a goofy helmet with spikes on top. But be sure to check out the museum’s other exhibits, too, including hundreds of fire extinguishers and thousands of patches. This museum is a must-visit for fire fighters of all ages.
Another must-visit museum in the city is the National Historical Fire Foundation in Phoenix. Its artifacts were formerly the private collection of George F. Getz Jr. The museum is spread over 1200 acres in the city and two hundred in Tempe. While you’re there, don’t miss the Hunt’s Tomb, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Once you’re in, don’t miss out on this amazing museum!