Thursday, August 13, 2015

8/13/15: The Pennsylvania National Fire Museum History Comes to Life

A hidden gem in Harrisburg, PA is The Pennsylvania National Fire Museum.  It is not in the center of town but more in a residential area and is a wonderful place to visit.  My son has always been intrigued by firefighting and loved our visit.
Right as you enter you see the history of firefighting.  There depictions of what it used to be like to fight fires.  Also as we entered there was a volunteer there to lead us around and explain the scenes and artifacts.
Plus there is a whole area of larger equipment and trucks.
There are some gorgeous artifacts.
This is a beautiful piece that was used in parades.
This is a 1792 Hand Pumper.
Gorgeous scenes.
A highlight for Evan was in the communications room on the second floor.  In here the volunteer demonstrated how switchboard operators could communicate.
Here is Evan opening the Fire Box to communicate.  He could see how it would ring at the switchboard and lights went on and you could hear the sounds.  Fun to see how things were done without all of our current technology.  Especially for the kids.
Here is another area on the second floor showing where the Firefighters might sleep.
There were also many other artifacts on this floor.
There was even one display that had Structural Steer from the World Trade Center.
Here is some of the larger equipment on the first floor.
The Pennsylvania National Fire Museum is Housed in the 1899 Victorian firehouse Reily Hose Company No. 10.  I highly suggest a visit when in the area.
Admission is $6 for adults and $5 for kids.  For a family of 2 adults and children it is $20.  There is also free parking.
Find them online:  http://www.pnfm.org/

Disclosure:  I was provided with admission for my family to The Pennsylvania National Fire Museum.  No other compensation was received and all opinions as always are my own.

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