Exhibitions at Friendship Firehouse Museum

The Engine Room

The Engine Room on the first floor houses hand-drawn fire engines, leather water buckets, a locally-made hose reel, axes, sections of early rubber hose and other historic fire-fighting equipment. An exhibition discusses the development of fire-fighting technology and other fire companies that have served the citizens of Alexandria.

The second floor Meeting Room is furnished the way it was during the late 19th century, the real heyday of Friendship as a community organization. On view here are various ceremonial objects such as parade uniforms, capes, banners and other regalia. George Washington's association with the Friendship Fire Company, honored by members for over 200 years, is symbolized by several images of him throughout the museum.

A highlight of the collection is the Rodgers Pumper, a Suction Engine or Hand Pumper built for Friendship by John Rodgers of Baltimore in 1851. Learn more about the pumper from “The Friendship Pumper” by Kris Lloyd, Antiques in Alexandria 1999.

The Rogers Pumper, 1851

The Rogers Pumper, detail	The Rogers Pumper, detail	The Rogers Pumper, detail

Hose Reel

Hose Reel

Axes

Fire Bucket

Speaking Horn