Fire Museum of Maryland offers something for all

May 10, 11:40 PMBaltimore Emergency Services ExaminerMichael Schwartzberg

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This antique Baltimore Fire Department pumper is on display at the Fire Museum of Maryland.  Photo: Michael Schwartzberg

The Fire Museum of Maryland (www.firemuseummd.org) is a hidden gem in our town. Located on York Road just off I-695 in Lutherville, the Fire Museum of Maryland has just opened for the season and features dozens of antique hand-pulled, horse-drawn and motorized fire apparatus from the early 1800s all the way to the mid 1950s as well as many items of firefighting memorabilia.

Highlights of the 18,000 square feet museum include a working fire alarm telegraph system – a dispatch center based on an old “Watch Desk” from a Baltimore City firehouse; badge and uniform displays; and actual doors from the Baltimore Fire Department Truck 11 station, where horses were hitched to a firetruck before leading firefighters to the scene. The museum also includes an audio walking tour of the historic Great Baltimore Fire of 1904, where museum guests can hear about the historic tragic blaze.

There’s plenty to see and do for the young and young at heart. I’ve taken my kids there several times and we’ve always had a great time. The kid’s play room is a big hit with families – young ones love dressing up in the pretend turnout gear, climbing on the actual fire engine and playing with the toy fire trucks.

The Fire Museum of Maryland also offers a host of special events, including 1) an antique car show in the summer; 2) "Cruisin' For Our Heroes" on September 12th, an Annual Salute to County Fire, Police, EMS & Military Personnel that’s planned in conjunction with the Baltimore County Sheriff's Office; 3) the Halloween-themed Lantern Night on October 24th, when guests can wear period attire or Halloween costumes and see the museum in a new light, and 4) the always popular train garden each holiday season.

In the summer, the Fire Museum of Maryland also offers camp tours and during the school year offers educational hands-on interactive tours for classes.

According to the museum’s website, future plans include the façade restoration of the Baltimore City Fire Department Engine 8 firehouse, for which the museum received a grant from Preservation Maryland to start restoration of cast-iron facade elements. When completed, the exhibit will serve as introduction to an updated display on horse-drawn fire apparatus.

And what’s a trip to a museum without a stop at the store? On all of our visits we’ve never been able to escape without making a purchase at the museum shop, which is well stocked with toys, collectables, memorabilia, books, postcards and apparel. Head on up to Lutherville and spend some time at the Fire Museum of Maryland. You won’t regret it.