Firemen's Museum documents New Bern's firefighting history

A small, plain white building houses the New Bern Firemen’s Museum on Hancock Street, but inside there is a rich and colorful history of the city’s famed fire departments.

It began with the Atlantic Hook & Ladder Company in 1845, and the New Bern Steam Fire Engine Company No. 1 was established by Union troops during the Civil War in 1865. Company 1 later became known as the “Button Company,” named after a steam fire engine it purchased.

The two companies fought fires in the city, but they were also fierce rivals.

 The museum is abound with memorabilia, ranging from old fire engine pumpers to various pieces of equipment, uniforms, photographs, the history of the Great Fire of 1922 and even the city’s most famous fire horse, “Fred.”

The museum was established in 1955, and work is under way to relocate next door in the original 1928 fire station on the corner of Broad and Hancock streets.

The museum is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Saturday. Admission is $5 for adults, $2.50 for children, with youngsters under age 5 admitted free.