The Reading Area Fire Museum will host an open house to celebrate National Fire Prevention month and Reading’s 275th anniversary.
All will be admitted free of charge during the event Sept. 30 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The independent, nonprofit museum is at 501 S. Fifth St. in the former Liberty Fire Company.
Volunteer staff will lead room-by-room tours showing the evolution of firefighting methods dating to the beginning in 1771 – before the Revolutionary War – when citizens formed bucket brigades to bring water to fires in leather buckets.
Parking is available in the neighborhood.
Officials said the museum is geared for the whole family and children must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
Open house highlights:
• The 1876 second-floor Liberty Fire Company meeting room and newly restored 19th century furniture.
• The 1876 “John Wanamaker – Best Room” that hosted special guests during fire company and citywide events.
• Photo opportunities next to the fireman pulled and horse drawn hand-pumpers, steamers and hose carts.
• Photo opportunities in front of each of the antique motorized fire engines, including the new off-the-frame restoration of the 1931 Liberty Fire Company Buffalo Pumper.
• Demonstrations on safely escaping a home during a fire.
• Blaze, the fire museum mascot.
• Children can try on firefighter gear.
• Talk to career firefighters from the Reading Department of Fire & Rescue Services.
Source: Berkshire mont
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