Our Mission:
The Historical Museum of the Westminster Fire Department is a museum whose purpose is the preservation and appreciation of artifacts and history of the Westminster Fire Engine and Hose Co #1 and surrounding areas, as well as to teach and promote fire safety education.
The Historical Museum of the Westminster Fire Department is attached to the southern end of the station. The building was designed to look like an old station dating back to the late 1800′s. The station is Octagonal in design, and the front above the window contains the original stained glass window from our previous station. | |
Inside The Historical Museum of the Westminster Fire Department, you will find our two antique motorized pieces, 2 hose carts, assorted photos, documents, and other historical memorabilia. The room is designed to look like a station of the late 1800′s/early 1900′s. | |
The floor is constructed of concrete that has been stamped and then stained to give the impression of a hand-laid red brick typically used in Firehouse construction 100 years ago. The ceilings are constructed of Wood, including the center beam that was specially built for this installation. The wood is then varnished for the natural look again found during that time period. Click here for more images of what we have on display in The Historical Museum of the Westminster Fire Department | |
The hose carts were hand-drawn and date back to 1893. Both of these were pulled by members to the new station during the opening ceremony. In preparation for the Department’s 200th anniversary in 2023, both hose carts were sent to Lancaster, PA, and were restored. The paint was stripped and repainted, the gold pinstripes were replaced, and the nickel and/or brass fixtures were reconditioned. Both have been completed and are now back in The Historical Museum of the Westminster Fire Department. Click here for more images of the hose carts as well as pictures of the restoration process | |
In 2018, the Department membership voted to do much-needed work on our 1924 American LaFrance city service ladder wagon and our 1933 American LaFrance engine. Both motorized pieces are original to Westminster Fire Department. Presently, the motor of the ladder truck has been removed and is in the process of being completely rebuilt. Once this is completed, the chassis will be taken to the vendor for the motor to be installed. The 1933 American LaFrance engine is presently at the vendor. We are very excited to restore these two pieces of our history. Click here for more images of the ladder truck restoration progress, or click here for images of the engine restoration progress. |