New York City Fire Museum Provides Fire Safety Education Training

The New York City Fire Museum launched a fire safety education initiative with the Public Housing Community Fund and the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA), bringing together nearly 100 NYCHA Resident Leaders and other guests on October 18 for a training session on building and fire safety.

“Fire safety is not just a priority; it's a shared responsibility that affects us all,” said Jennifer Brown, Executive Director of the New York City Fire Museum. “As we gathered with experts and FDNY officials, we were reminded of the critical importance of staying vigilant and well-prepared. The lessons on building and fire safety discussed today underscore the need for constant awareness and proactive measures to protect our communities and our loved ones.”

Among the speakers were: FDNY Chief of Department John Hodgens, FDNY Chief Fire Marshal Daniel Flynn, and Alex Zablocki, the Executive Director of the Public Housing Community Fund. Lisa Bova-Hiatt, the CEO of NYCHA, provided a special welcome to attendees via video.

Throughout the evening training session, attendees learned about fire and building safety, root causes of fires, and measures to protect themselves and neighbors from fire dangers from trainers and a panel of experts: Joseph Terranova, NYCHA’s Fire Safety Director; Dominick DeRubbio, Principal of the Salvus Group and a member of the NYC Fire Museum’s Board of Trustees; Steven Tagliani, Supervising Fire Marshal and Director of Training, FDNY Bureau of Fire Investigation; Captain Michael Kozo, Commanding Officer of the FDNY Fire Safety Education Unit; and Glenn Corbett, Professor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice.

“Teaching fire safety education is critically important to the FDNY mission of saving lives and property. We are grateful to our partners at NYCHA, and at the Fire Museum, for collaborating in a meaningful conversation on how to keep New Yorkers safe,” said Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh.

“Events like the first-ever NYCHA Fire Safety Symposium bring together resident leaders from different backgrounds and communities to help prevent fires and save lives. By participating, resident leaders not only gain knowledge but also strengthen community bonds, fostering a spirit of unity and collaboration in the face of adversity. The Public Housing Community Fund is grateful to our host and partner, NYC Fire Museum, leadership at FDNY and NYCHA for supporting the symposium,” Alex Zablocki, Executive Director, Public Housing Community Fund said. “By supporting NYCHA resident leaders through this fire safety training, we will ensure a safer NYCHA and improve the well-being of the broader community.”

"Enough can't be said about how critical fire safety is for all New Yorkers," said NYCHA Chief Executive Officer Lisa Bova-Hiatt. "At NYCHA, we want residents to remain vigilant, to be prepared, and to be aware of best practices in the instance of a fire, because advance training and preparation could be what ultimately keeps them and their families safe. We thank our partners at the New York City Fire Museum, the Public Housing Community Fund, and the FDNY for their ongoing dedication to keeping NYCHA residents safe."

The New York City Fire Museum is dedicated to educating individuals of all ages, with a particular focus on our youth, about the paramount importance of fire safety. Its mission is rooted in the belief that knowledge is the greatest weapon against the devastating consequences of fires, and the Museum aims to instill a sense of responsibility and preparedness.

Through interactive exhibits, immersive displays, and engaging programs, the Museum provides a dynamic learning environment, and collaborates with schools, community organizations, and families to deliver valuable fire safety lessons.

“With a deep commitment to this cause, we strive to make our city safer by empowering New Yorkers with the knowledge they need to prevent, respond to, and survive fires,” Jennifer Brown said.

The Fire Museum offers fire safety education tours year-round, in partnership with the FDNY Fire Safety Education Unit, to teach participants how to prevent fires within the home and how to protect themselves and escape should a fire occur. Tours consist of classroom training and a simulated fire event in a mock home environment. Students are shown an age-appropriate video regarding fire safety and burn prevention, and then a New York City firefighter leads a discussion to reinforce safety information presented in the video. During the second half of the program, the firefighter leads the students through various rooms in a mock apartment.

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.

Exhibitions 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.

Becoming the Bravest

This temporary exhibition highlights the journey and training every New York City firefighter has to take to become one. The exhibit – open until early 2024 – illustrates 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 exhibition educates visitors about the incredible journey undertaken to become New York's Bravest.

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.

About the New York City Fire Museum

The mission of the New York City Fire Museum is to collect, preserve and present the history and cultural heritage of the fire service of New York and to provide fire prevention and safety education to the public, especially children. Learn more at https://www.nycfiremuseum.org.