Friendship Firehouse Museum

The Friendship Fire Company was established in 1774, as the first volunteer fire company in Alexandria. The current firehouse was built in 1855, was substantially remodeled in 1871, and was restored by the City of Alexandria in 1992.
Page updated on August 13, 2026 at 11:25 AM
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Friendship Firehouse Museum

Friendship Firehouse exterior

In a town of mostly wooden buildings, where open flames provided heat, light and cooking on a daily basis, fire was a constant danger. The Friendship, Sun, Relief, Hydraulion and other local volunteer fire companies served the community faithfully, particularly during enormous blazes in 1827, 1855, 1871, and 1922. Some of their stories and equipment are preserved today in the Friendship Firehouse Museum.

The museums' historic firefighting vehicles include the Rodgers Suction Engine (1851) and the Prettyman Hose Carriage (1858).

Visit the museum and come to the annual Friendship Firehouse Festival and other special events.

Alexandria VA250 logo on square white background

America250

In 2026, the United States will commemorate the semiquincentennial of the Revolution. Join us as we celebrate and commemorate America's story in Alexandria.

Visit Friendship Firehouse Museum

Weathervane depicting a firefighter

Plan Your Visit

Friendship Firehouse is open one Saturday a month. This page has dates, admission information and more to assist in planning your visit.

Exhibit case at Friendship Firehouse with horn and hat

On View

The Friendship, Sun, Relief, Hydraulion and other local volunteer fire companies served the community, and some of their stories and equipment are preserved today in the Friendship Firehouse Museum.

About Friendship Firehouse

The Friendship Fire Company preparing for a parade, 1905

History of Friendship Fire Company

The Friendship Fire Company was established in 1774, as the first volunteer fire company in Alexandria. The current firehouse was built in 1855, was substantially remodeled in 1871, and was restored by the City of Alexandria in 1992.

The Rodgers suction engine back in place in the museum

Historic Firefighting Vehicles

The Rodgers Suction Engine (1851) and the Prettyman Hose Carriage (1858) illuminate the history of firefighting in Alexandria. Learn about the vehicles and their ongoing conservation.

Friendship Firehouse Learn From Home ladder activity

Learn from Home: Educational Resources

Learn from home. Try activities, check out a book, or follow a link to explore Friendship Firehouse Museum, firefighting history, and fire safety at home.

Special Events

Friendship Firehouse Festival, street view, 2022

The Annual Friendship Firehouse Festival

The popular family event features antique fire apparatus, outdoor events, and visits to the Friendship Firehouse Museum, originally built as a firehouse in 1855. 

Support Friendship Firehouse

FVFEA members and Fire Chief Corey Smedley help to move the hose reel

Friendship Veterans Fire Engine Association

Membership in this historic Friendship Veterans Fire Engine Association (FVFEA) is open to all who enjoy the rich heritage of the American fire service. 

Friendship Firehouse Festival, pumper, 2022

Make a Gift

Celebrate the power and impact of community philanthropy by supporting Friendship Firehouse and Historic Alexandria!

More Information

Friendship Firehouse Museum
107 S. Alfred Street
Alexandria, Virginia 22314
Phone: 703.746.3891

Contact the Museum (Alex311)

Please submit the Request Form to HistoricAlexandria@alexandriava.gov

Reproduction & Publication Request Form

Reproduction & Publication Fees (printable PDF)


Reproduction Fees

  • Digital Images (educational, academic, scholarly use): $25 per image
  • Commercial use, for profit: $50 per image
  • New scanning: $15 per item New photography: $25 per image
  • Special handling fee, new photography: $100 per item
    (for oversize objects/materials or those with special requirements)

Please note that the physical condition or donor/copyright restrictions may limit what can be reproduced.


Publication Fees

  • One-time use in a book or article: $25 per image
  • Commercial use, for profit: $100 per image, or as determined by Office of Historic Alexandria

The mission of City staff regarding the Friendship Firehouse Museum is to preserve this structure as an historical record, and facilitate public use and enjoyment of the history that it represents.

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