The Fire Museum & Educational Center

Former Station #23 was built in 1851 during our volunteer firefighting days and was in-service until 1891, when the paid department went into service.  Station #23 was the last station in the city to trade in its horses for motorized vehicles in 1922.  1991 saw the closing of Station #23 and work began to transform the fire station into a Fire Museum and Educational Center and opening its doors to the public in 1995. On display are two levels of uniforms, photos, helmets from around the world, unique certificates also wooden and metal hand pulled vehicles plus, horse drawn and motorized apparatus’.

Before the 1896 horse drawn steam engine went out of service in 1922, it rolled through the streets of New Orleans following its galloping horses responding to emergency fire calls.  Its steam-driven pump is made of gleaming brass and seated atop a wooden chassis painted shiny red.

This Steam engine still rolls through the streets of New Orleans in Mardi Gras and Christmas parades.  It also honors the Louisiana State Fallen Firefighter Memorial each year in Baton Rouge, LA.

 

On December 15, 1891, the New Orleans Fire Department came into existence as a paid department.  Becoming a paid department insured one of the most culturally rich and historically relevant cities in all of the Americas had the safety and security of a prompt response from professionally trained firefighters. 

Fire Museum tours are by appointment only.
Our hours are Monday - Friday, 09:00 am until 2:00 pm.
Closed weekends and holidays.

Firefighter Michael Williams, Director/Curator

Schedule your tour today

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Event Info

Type of Program or Service Request

Meet actual firefighters as they explain their job descriptions and the equipment on the fire apparatus.
The New Orleans Fire Department Color Guard are volunteers who drill regularly to represent the colors and the department with professionalism and distinction. The Color Guard is available for special events.
Visit an Engine House and meet with the firefighters. Provides an opportunity for children to gain an understanding of the roles firefighters play in the community. Engine House visits are scheduled three (3) weeks in advance. Between 15 and 30 visitors, depending on Station size and only two (2) tours scheduled per day.
Tours are scheduled five days in advance and up to 30 visitors per tour. The museum charges no admission fee, but donations are welcome. Visitors of all ages will have a hands-on experience during the tour and fire safety class learning important fire safety techniques and about the history of firefighting is New Orleans.
Firefighters teach three main goals of an emergency action plan (eliminating hazards, education and evacuation) to facilities such as: Schools, Businesses or Public and Private Agencies.
If the type of program or service needed is not listed.