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About The Museum
Our Vision
Our History
Our History
The Reading Area Firefighters Museum is committed to the preservation of the Liberty Fire Co. No 5 building. The 1876 built structure at South Fifth & Laurel Streets, Reading, PA. This includes the building contents consisting of firefighting memorabilia, antique furnishings, and the John Wanamaker designed “best room”. The museum will se
The Reading Area Firefighters Museum is committed to the preservation of the Liberty Fire Co. No 5 building. The 1876 built structure at South Fifth & Laurel Streets, Reading, PA. This includes the building contents consisting of firefighting memorabilia, antique furnishings, and the John Wanamaker designed “best room”. The museum will serve as a permanent facility for the public exhibition and the safe storage of items related to the history of firefighting in the Reading & Berks County area.
Our History
Our History
Our History
The firehouse, located at the southeast corner of South Fifth and Laurel Streets in the Callowhill Historic District, is one of the most important architectural and historic landmarks in the City of Reading and Berks County. The site has functioned as a fire company’s headquarters since 1854, on the same site but in a building demolished
The firehouse, located at the southeast corner of South Fifth and Laurel Streets in the Callowhill Historic District, is one of the most important architectural and historic landmarks in the City of Reading and Berks County. The site has functioned as a fire company’s headquarters since 1854, on the same site but in a building demolished in 1875 for the construction of the present facility. In 2010, the city vacated the structure, moving it’s sole engine company to a new quarters in the 18th ward. The station was sold to the city to be operated as a fire museum.
The unusual combination of utilitarian purpose and architectural quality of the structure and its intact original character makes it one of the best preserved historical landmarks in the city and county. Numerous tours have been conducted through the building and without exception of the tour participants, whatever their age, background or experience, has been genuine surprise mixed with respect and appreciation for the elegance and beauty of the rooms.
A committee has been formed to restore and preserve the station, and has already begun restoration efforts. The official incorporated group is known as the Reading Area Firefighters Museum, Inc. It is a Non Profit Pennsylvania 501(C)(3) Corporation.
Collections
Our History
Collections
The artifacts displayed at the museum tell the story of firefighting in Berks County. Showcased is the evolution of firefighting from bucket brigade to modern day firefighting apparatus.
Fire Apparatus on Display:
1770s Richard Mason hand engine
1812 Pat Lyons hand engine
1895 wheeled hose cart
1909 Am. LaFrance steam engine
1923 Am. LaFrance m
The artifacts displayed at the museum tell the story of firefighting in Berks County. Showcased is the evolution of firefighting from bucket brigade to modern day firefighting apparatus.
Fire Apparatus on Display:
1770s Richard Mason hand engine
1812 Pat Lyons hand engine
1895 wheeled hose cart
1909 Am. LaFrance steam engine
1923 Am. LaFrance motorized engine
1931 Buffalo 1000 gpm engine
1937 Peter Pirsch engine
The museum has a wide variety of various artifacts displayed from artwork, sculptures, firefighting tools all displayed in the 1876 built Liberty fire station.
The Tom Hess Collection
Early High Eagle Fire Helmets, firefighting artifacts from Reading City.
The Reading City Vol. Fire Co. Collection
Artifacts directly donated from the 14 volunteer fire companies of Reading City.
Wanamaker Collection
An entire room designed and furnished by John Wanamaker in 1876.
Berks County Vol. Fire Co. Collections
Artifacts directly donated from the various volunteer fire companies of Berks County.
Opportunities
Volunteer
Membership
Volunteer
The museum wouldn’t function without the dedication of our volunteers. You can help us keep the museum going.
The Fire Museum would not function without the service and dedication of our volunteers. Retired fire fighters, historians, school teachers, historic re-enactors, archivists, and tradesman all play a vital role in our ability to ap
The museum wouldn’t function without the dedication of our volunteers. You can help us keep the museum going.
The Fire Museum would not function without the service and dedication of our volunteers. Retired fire fighters, historians, school teachers, historic re-enactors, archivists, and tradesman all play a vital role in our ability to appropriately present our collections.
Here are just a few examples of the many roles filled and work accomplished by our volunteers. If any of this piques your interest, please get in touch with us!
Repairing damaged artifacts
Scanning and cataloguing donated photographs and other items
Maintaining our motorized fire apparatus
Setting up exhibits
Giving tours and public relation events
Painting and polishing
Marketing and public relations
We always have a lengthy list of items needing our attention, and rarely do we have enough time! Any help you can provide is greatly appreciated.
Donate
Membership
Volunteer
As a small museum, we are always working on raising funds, both for new projects and exhibits, as well as operational costs and other ongoing events. We encourage you to give to a project you feel a connection to, and don’t be shy to suggest to your friends and relatives that they do the same! If you are interested in donating but do not
As a small museum, we are always working on raising funds, both for new projects and exhibits, as well as operational costs and other ongoing events. We encourage you to give to a project you feel a connection to, and don’t be shy to suggest to your friends and relatives that they do the same! If you are interested in donating but do not see something that catches your eye, please contact us and we will be happy to speak with you. As a reminder, all donations to the Museum are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
Have firefighting artifacts that you wish to donate? Please contact our curator, we would be happy to assist you in your donation. We accept single items to whole collections.
Membership
Membership
Membership
RAFM invites you to join and become a member of the Firefighter’s Museum. Membership is open to all who enjoy the rich heritage of the American fire service.
Your membership will:
Honor and preserve the history of the fire departments of Reading City and Berks County Fire Companies
Help care for the collection
Support improvements in the mus
RAFM invites you to join and become a member of the Firefighter’s Museum. Membership is open to all who enjoy the rich heritage of the American fire service.
Your membership will:
Honor and preserve the history of the fire departments of Reading City and Berks County Fire Companies
Help care for the collection
Support improvements in the museum building that dates to 1876
Support updated exhibits
Support improved services to you and other visitors
If you’re interested in joining us, please print out our application and send it back to us.
If you wish to renew a membership please follow this link to our payment portal