Tour Information
The Reading Area Firefighters Museum is a unique educational and entertainment facility. This museum caters to the history enthusiast, Firefighters, architectural and antique furniture enthusiasts and those who want to know more about the rich history of firefighting in Berks County.
Tours: Tours can be self-guided or guided. The Museum is housed in a 1876 built firehouse, most of the building is preserved in the turn of the century state.
How long should you allow: Most visitors linger for at least one to two hours; others stay longer. Take your time though and move along at your own pace.
Group Tours: Group tours are available and welcomed. Adult/Senior/Student groups must include a minimum of ten (10) people and arrange for their group event at least three weeks in advance and pay with one form of payment. The purchase of group tickets on arrival is discouraged. The group leader is always complimentary. For bus tours; the driver is also complimentary. Rates for these tours follow: GROUP TOUR RATES: Senior/Adult: $10.00. (children under 16 are always free).
Presentations: If your group would desire a presentation on the History of Firefighting in Reading, Fire Prevention and Safety please inquire as these need to be booked minimum 60 days in advance. Some additional fees may apply.
School Tours: School tours are always welcomed. Groups must include a minimum of ten (10) people and arrange for their group event at least two weeks in advance and pay with one form of payment. We will work with you to make your visit educational and eventful. Help us help you…let’s stay organized. This is an educational experience that requires teacher preparation, student supervision and the involvement of all concerned. Rates for school tours follow: SCHOOL TOUR RATES: There is no charge for Schools within Berks County. Fire Safety and education presentations may be requested for any school group interested. We also offer a scavenger hunt, Bucket Brigade, Fire Safety . Please ask the museum coordinator for further information regarding these presentations. You will have a great day learning and experiencing the fire museum. School groups from outside of Berks County wishing to do do presentations are $5.00 per student, $5.00 per Chaperone, Teacher is free.
Bus Parking: Free on-site parking is available for school and tour buses. There is no overnight parking permitted. Buses, please use Laurel Street entrance to load and offload.
Payment: Pre-payment for all group tours may be made by check or credit card. We can invoice you for payment.
Food-Service: No onsite facilities, Pre-arranged catering services are available.
Shop: A small gift and merchandise display is available.
ADA Compliance: The Museum is not fully accessible for people using wheelchairs and motorized scooters. Ground level encompasses the Apparatus display and Restrooms. There is one step up to the front Parlor display area. The second and third floor exhibit areas are only accessible by stairs.
The Museum mailing address is: 501 South Fifth St. Reading, Pa 19602
Information: For further information, call the Sales Office at 484-525-0590.
