Museum History
It took 200 years of firefighting before the first county-wide fire museum was born in 1996 a county-wide group of fire commissioners, chiefs, volunteer and professional firefighters decided to create the Orange County Firefighters Museum. OCFM was formed as a not-for-profit organization in June of 1997, and received issuance of an absolute charter from the Regents of the University of the State of New York. The board agreed to purchase the old firehouse in the village of Montgomery as the museum’s site. The building, situated in the historic district, held its Grand Opening on September 9th, 2006.
OCFM has received the endorsements of the following: Former Orange County Executive Joseph G. Rampe, NYS Regional Open Space Planning Committee, The Association of Fire Chiefs of Orange County, The New York State Association of Fire Chiefs, Executive Committee of the Orange County Volunteers, and over fifty Orange County Fire companies and depts.
Firematic Exhibits
The Purposes of the museum as set forth in the its constitution are exclusively educational in nature, to wit: Collect and Preserve and Interpret objects related to fire fighting and fire fighters in Orange County and
Research and Document and Disseminate information on the history and equipment of the Orange County volunteer and paid fire companies, fire safety, and fire prevention. The Orange County Firefighters Museum has an impressive collection of firefighters memorabilia from as early as 1860. Visit the museum and explore our firematic exhibits!
Our Educational Mission
On October 7, 2011, 100 first graders from Fostertown Elementary School in Newburgh visited the Fire Safety and Education Center at the Orange County Firefighters Museum.
A few of the lessons the students learned included: how to identify fire hazards in the home, the purpose of smoke detectors, the knowledge of recognizing two ways out, the correct way to stop drop and roll, the importance of staying low, how to properly use 911, and why having a family escape plan complete with an agreed upon meeting place is key to fire safety.
Students also toured the museum, viewed a ladder truck and spoke with "Tank" from the Montgomery Fire Department.
The museum and education center has also been toured by adults and senior citizens alike and is always available to schools, senior citizens, adults and children free of charge. If you are interested, please call 845-457-9654.
News & Events
Orange County Firefighters Museum Hall of Honor
1-15-2015 Charlie Wallace Montgomery Fire Department, Fire Police
4/11/2006 David E. Smith Howells Fire Department, Firefighter
3/28/2005 Robert G. Brooks, Sr. Montgomery Fire Department, Firefighter
11/15/1997 William H. Fair-weather Middletown Fire Department, Firefighter
9/23/1995 Frederick T. Fair-weather Bullville Fire Department, Firefighter
April 30, 1995 Harry Davidson Winona Lake Engine Company #2, Fire Police
Give Back
Ways to give back to the Orange County Firefighters Museum
The Board of Directors and the Education Advisory Board of the Orange County Firefighters Museum are pleased to announce our latest fundraising effort, "Stepping Stones to Fire Safety."
With your purchase of a brick, we’ll be able to retell the story of firefighters throughout Orange County with an ode to you.
Become a Friend of the Museum- We are always looking for volunteers and what better ranks to look in than the volunteer fire service. If you have some time to spare give us a hand at the museum.
Make a monetary donation- The Museum was conceived through generous grants and donations, BUT we need to keep our doors open to visitors for years to come. Your donations are tax deductible
Make your check or Money Order Payable to:
Orange County Firefighters Museum
Mail it to:
OCFM
PO Box 688
Montgomery, NY 12549
Loan or donate memorabilia- There are many interesting exhibits to view at the museum. Help keep the memorabilia fresh and history alive! Loan or donate items for display at the museum. Share your stuff with all.
Call: 845 457 9654
or Email Curator
The Orange County Firefighters Museum depends on your generosity and support. Because of you and your tax deductible donations, we are proud to share the history and relentless courage of our nation’s firefighters seen throughout the years. Thank you to our generous donors for keeping the history of Orange County Firefighters alive.
Contact Us
Whether you’re looking to reserve our education room for a class field trip, interested in hosting a children’s party at the museum, ready to plan a tour of the Orange County Firefighters Museum, or want to give back to the Firefighters Museum, contact us below and we’ll be in touch as soon as possible.