Heritage Immersion Education

Collects, preserves, and exhibits historic objects, artifacts, equipment, photographs, and memorabilia related to the local community and its fire department, and operates a historical research and reference center to support public access and scholarship.

Establishes, maintains, and operates a museum in a Nationally Registered Fire House (circa 1896) to preserve and present the history of the Cold Spring Harbor Volunteer Fire Department and the local community, including historic firefighting relics, equipment, photographs, and memorabilia.

Organizes and hosts historical and cultural programs, events, and memorial installations—including a permanent memorial honoring the 343 FDNY firefighters who died on September 11, 2001—to foster community interest and participation in the local fire department.

Acquired, preserved, relocated, and restored the community’s first Fire House and the Teal Building, which served as headquarters for Hook and Ladder Company #1 from 1896 to 1906, safeguarding them as educational and historical resources.

Offers year-round tours, school group visits, special visits, video presentations, exhibits, and interactive programs to educate the public about the evolution of firefighting methods and equipment, fire prevention, and safety in the home and workplace.

Honors and remembers the service and sacrifice of firefighters related to the September 11, 2001 attacks through museum programming and public remembrance activities.

Maintains historical knowledge and public understanding of the design, development, and manufacturing of motorized fire apparatus from the 20th century through museum exhibits and educational programming.

Offers educational experiences, particularly for children, using firetruck displays to teach fire safety, history, and emergency response.

Preserves and educates the public about the historic fire apparatus history of the Sag Harbor Fire Department.

Maintains and provides public access to a comprehensive collection of historic and contemporary photographs, videos, documents, and memorabilia documenting over 150 years of Albany’s fire service. Includes original department records, newspaper clippings, personal accounts, and visual archives capturing significant events and firefighters in action.

Makes museum space available for private events and functions upon request, supporting community engagement and facility utilization beyond regular public hours.

Provides volunteer roles including docent services and event support at the museum, engaging community members in the operation and outreach of the museum.

Operates a museum dedicated to preserving and presenting the history and heritage of firefighting in Albany, NY, from the 18th century to the present. The museum features exhibits of historic fire apparatus, equipment, uniforms, and artifacts, and is open to the public with free general admission.

Runs an on-site gift shop offering firefighting-themed souvenirs such as T-shirts, books, and ornaments, supporting museum operations through retail sales.

Offers curriculum-aligned educational tours for K–12 school groups and private docent-led tours for community organizations, scouts, and senior groups. Tours are tailored to group size and interest, with individual visits typically lasting 60 minutes and group tours 60–90 minutes.

Creates and maintains a museum and associated programs that reflect the history and activities of firefighting organizations in the Town of Brookhaven, serving as an educational resource for the public.

Obtains and preserves firefighting memorabilia and artifacts from firefighting organizations within the Town of Brookhaven, maintaining a historical collection specific to the local fire service community.

Provides a physical facility accessible to the public and firefighting organizations in the Town of Brookhaven to host meetings and advance educational objectives related to firefighting history and community engagement.