A Behind the Scenes Look at a Firefighter’s Journey

On October 18th, the New York City Fire Museum will open a new special exhibition, “Becoming the Bravest,” which highlights the journey and training every New York City firefighter has to take to become one.

The focal point of this new exhibit will be that all firefighters—from the newly graduated to the highest-ranking uniformed member, the Chief of Department—all started in the same place: the Probationary Firefighters School at the Fire Academy. Using photographs, uniforms, helmets, patches, firefighter equipment and other unique artifacts from the Museum's collection, as well as information, photographs, and video supplied by the Department, the Museum will educate visitors about the incredible journey undertaken to become New York's Bravest.

“Becoming one of the bravest is no small feat. Individuals from all walks of life aspire to serve their communities by becoming firefighters, and they wonder what it takes to become one of New York’s Bravest,” says Jennifer Brown, Executive Director of the New York City Fire Museum. “This new exhibition will shed light into this from a historical point of view, displaying unique photos and items from the Fire Academy.”

The Probationary Firefighters School is part of the FDNY Training Academy located on Randall’s Island.

Approximately 750 probies enter “Proby School” annually, completing 18 weeks of rigorous training utilizing every building on campus, including live burns, ropes, hazardous materials, portable ladders, forcible entry, certified first responder defibrillation, building inspection, and more. New firefighter training is arguably the most important mission of the Academy and the reason it was created.

“This important exhibition traces both the journey these ‘probies’ undertake to become FDNY firefighters, as well as the history of the school,” says the Museum’s Curator and Collections Manager Sean Britton. “What makes this so compelling is one simple fact: every FDNY firefighter starts their career in the same way in the same place.”

"Becoming the Bravest" will be open through early 2024.

The Museum is located at 278 Spring Street between Varick and Hudson Streets, in the former quarters of the FDNY's Engine Company No. 30, a renovated 1904 firehouse. The Fire Museum, with roots dating to 1870, contains 30,000 objects and artifacts, features 11 galleries, and attracts some 40,000 visitors from across the globe annually.

The Museum also recently launched a fun activity for kids: a scavenger hunt that leads young visitors through the Museum’s historic exhibitions hunting for artifacts amongst century-old fire engines. The scavenger hunt is free with admission, and a surprise gift awaits those who complete the hunt!

Also on view:

Permanent Exhibits
The Museum’s halls are filled with historic artifacts and FDNY vehicles, including a “sidewinder” style hand-pumped fire engine built circa 1820. It is the museum’s oldest fire engine, a hose carriage used by the volunteer firemen of Steinway Hose Company 7. The Museum also is home to New York City’s only memorial dedicated to the 343 members of the FDNY who perished on 9/11, and it displays numerous firefighting artifacts recovered from the World Trade Center site.

Colonial Firefighting & the American Revolution
This exhibition has been extended at least until the end of the year due to popular demand! It celebrates the previously untold story of a group of volunteers, the colonial-era firefighters who stood between New York and disaster during years of rampant arson, wars in North America, and the American Revolution. Multimedia, video animations and 3D models illustrate major events of the colonial era, including a breathtaking video animation of the devastating fire in 1776 that destroyed 500 buildings – homes, churches, schools, stores, and factories. Original artworks depict the Wall of Wall Street, the first fire engines, and 1770 New York neighborhoods.

Firehouse: The Photography of Jill Freedman
Award-winning photographer Jill Freedman’s moving collection of photographs documents New York City firefighters on the job in the ‘70s. This exhibition features images contained in Freedman’s book, Firehouse, which was released in 1977 and garnered rave reviews for the honesty and grit that captured the danger, tragedy, heroism, and camaraderie of being a firefighter in New York City. Don’t miss the chance to see these stunning photos, which will be on display until the end of 2023.

Visiting the New York City Fire Museum

COVID Information: The Museum advises that mask-wearing is optional for employees, members, and general visitors.

Directions/Address: 278 Spring Street, New York, N.Y.

To reach the Museum by subway, take the “C” or “E” train (8th Avenue Local) to Spring Street. Walk west 1½ blocks. Alternately, take the “1” train (IRT) to Houston Street. Walk south along Varick Street for 4 blocks to Spring Street. Walk west ½ block. To reach the Museum via bus, take the M10 or M21 to Spring Street.

Hours of Operation

Open Wednesdays through Sundays, 10 AM to 5 PM
Advance ticketing is available; walk-ins are welcome.

Admission Prices

• $15 for Adults
• $6 for Youth Ages 3 - 17
• $10 for Students with School ID, Seniors 65 and older, Person(s) w Disabilities, Firefighters (Firefighters outside of NYC, must show Firefighter ID upon Entry)
• $3 for Museums for All Adults/Children (up to four people per EBT card with ID)

Free Admission
(Must bring appropriate ID )

• New York City Fire Museum, Museum Council and Cool Culture members
• Children 2 and under
• Active FDNY, NYPD, PAPD
• Active US Military

Those interested in becoming a member can visit https://www.nycfiremuseum.org/membership to explore the different membership options, starting at $45.00 annually.