Welcome!
Welcome to The Fire Museum, the home of the Connecticut Firemen's Historical Society, located adjacent to the renovated red-brick mill buildings of the Cheney National Historic and Landmark District in Manchester, CT.
The Museum is housed in a 1901 wooden firehouse, originally built by the Manchester volunteer firemen with funds donated by the Cheney Family, world renowned manufacturers of fine silk fabrics.
A wide variety of Connecticut collectibles and eleven pieces of apparatus are on display throughout our historic building.
2024 Season Highlights
CT Fire Academy Cadet Tours
2024 Connecticut Room Display
CT Fire Academy Cadet Tours
This year, two enthusuastic groups of Connecticut Fire Academy Cadets toured the museum. These cadets are part of the Introduction to the Fire Service class that the CFA holds each year. Hosting them is always a highlight of the season.
CFA Display Case Update
2024 Connecticut Room Display
CT Fire Academy Cadet Tours
In 2024 the CFA reached out to the museum and wanted to update the display case and the objects that were on loan from the CFHS. The CFA purchased two new large display cabinets. Members of the society picked out some great new items to showcase for visitors to enjoy.
2024 Connecticut Room Display
2024 Connecticut Room Display
The 2024 exhibit in the Connecticut room was a display of photos, artifacts, and historical information regarding the Hartford Circus Fire. 2024 was the 80th Anniversary of the horrific event.
WHFD James Graham Ladder Cart
West Haven Fire Department Historian Bill Heffernan was generous enough to bring the James Graham Ladder Wagon to the member day at the fire museum. Society Vice-President Steve Brunelle was also on hand. Steve discovered the Wagon Model after it had been missing for 120 years. Through his efforts WHFD was able to acquire it and have it restored.
Artifact Accessioning
The society is currently in the process of updating our master list of items in the museum. This is a lengthy process but a necessary one. In 2024 members added over 500 items with detailed photos, measurements, and descriptions. This project will continue into 2025
Museum Member Day
In 2024 we had a large increase of departments from around the state join and rejoin the society membership rolls. We decided to have a membership appreciation day that had a great turnout. Each member that attended was entered into our raffle. Over 100 members and friends of the society attended this event.