Friendship Firehouse Museum

Introduction

The local historical site that I have chosen to visit is Friendship Firehouse Museum that is located in Alexandria. This paper discusses the visit to the site, its relevance and historical significance. I have chosen this site because of its distinguished history with regards to firefighting. The lives of the firefighters are very risky because they put their life in danger to cease the fire and to save the lives of the other people who become the victims. During this, the firefighters also tend to get wounded because of the injuries, more importantly the injuries that occur because of fire (Alexandriava. Gov, pp.1).

History of Friendship Firehouse Museum

It was in 1774 when the Friendship Fire Company was established and this was the first volunteer fire company that was formulated in Alexandria. Currently, the firehouse that exists was built in 1855 and this was remodeled substantially in 1871 after which it was restored in 1992 by the City of Alexandria. Fire was a constant danger in a town that was had buildings that were built mainly with wood. Therefore, fire erupted very often because flames resulted in heat, light and cooking. The community was served by local volunteer fire companies such as The Friendship, Sun, Relief and Hydraulion. Problems occurred more significantly when the blazes were enormous more particularly in 1827, 1855, 1871, and 1922. Therefore, there are some stories and equipment that have been preserved in the Friendship Firehouse Museum (Weil, pp.100).

Events at Friendship Firehouse Museum

There are various kinds of events that take place at the Friendship Firehouse Museum. The two most famous events that take place at the museum are mentioned below.

The Friendship Firehouse Festival - Annual firehouse festival is held every year by The Friendship Veterans Fire Engine Association on the first Sunday of August. This is a family event that is popular among the people and it features things such as antique fire apparatus, craft booths, displays by Alexandria merchants, and live music. 

The Father's Day Open House - Special tours are offered for the fathers on the Father's day which is celebrated on the third Sunday in the month of June.

Firehouse Festival

It is advised to the visitors to visit the museum on the first Saturday of August. This is because on this day, annual Firehouse Festival is held which is hosted by Friendship Veterans Fire Engine Association. Besides looking at the fire engines and other things, the children also get the opportunity to meet a real Dalmatian. Moreover, they can also sit inside a fire truck and listen to live music. The children also get a free red plastic fire helmet and balloons which they can take home as well. Moreover, the visits of the children are supervised and they can become co-passengers” inside the City's fire trucks. This event celebrates the role that was played by the firefighters throughout the history. Musical entertainment is provided by the Lump Dog Band, besides which displays are also shown by the merchants in Alexandria (Carp, pp.781).

Tours

Besides the outdoor ...