Visit one of the lesser known Houston museums in the museum district and get a glimpse into the history of the fire department.
After the department went to a fully paid staff, Fire Station No. 7 was built to house two fire apparatuses, both pulled by horses. This two-story building is the home of the Houston Fire Museum and has been renovated to look as it did in 1899 when it was first built. In the Watch Office, aspiring young firefighters can get a glimpse of a day in the life of a firefighter in the 1950s. From receiving the fire call to dispatching the trucks, see how the trucks were sent out on a call. Spend some time in the Locker Room and see the relics of what life was like for the men who watched over our city.
We didn’t forget the fire trucks. In the downstairs bays you can see a horse-drawn steamer circa 1895, a 1938 REO truck, and a shiny Chevy Pumper from 1937. The Chevy Pumper is the newest in the collection and makes a great backdrop for photo ops for anyone who has an interest in all things firefighter-related.
You can stop by and wonder through the exhibits on your own or you can sign up for a guided tour. The tours last about an hour and are conducted by the Houston Fire Department staff. This museum has enough information entrain even the most avid fire truck fan and the young kiddos will be awe struck by the shiny engines and meeting some real life Houston Fire Department staff. Parking is available on the street in front of the museum.
Houston Fire Museum
- Address: 2403 Milam St, Houston, Texas
- Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 4pm
- Admission: $5 for Adults; $4 for seniors; $3 for children 2 and up; Free for 2 and under
Photo credit: Chuck Wilson via Creative Commons
