The Central Ohio Fire Museum: A Tribute to Firefighters Past, Present, and Future

The Central Ohio Fire Museum in downtown Columbus is a must-visit for anyone interested in fire history, education, safety, and prevention. The museum was opened in 2002, following a $700,000 restoration of the 1908 Columbus Engine House (No.16), which was made possible through the efforts of firefighters, corporate sponsors, and community members. One of the best things about visiting this museum is how personalized the experience can be. The staff members are knowledgeable and friendly, and you never know who you’ll encounter during your visit, which always makes it a unique and enlightening experience. In fact, we’ve often had the entire museum to ourselves, allowing our children to ask as many questions as they like and learn as much as possible.

As you move beyond the play area, the museum showcases an impressive collection of horse-drawn and motorized fire trucks, photographs depicting the station’s history, and displays of old and new firefighting equipment. The museum offers an immersive experience that provides insight into the day-to-day lives of firefighters in the early 1900s. Both kids and adults will find it fascinating to learn about the unique challenges and dangers that firefighters faced during this time. It’s amazing to see the evolution of firefighting technology and equipment and the museum does an excellent job of highlighting this progress. One of my favorite things about the museum is seeing my kids’ reactions to some of the older technology, like the VCR that plays an educational fire safety video. They were amazed to learn about how people used to watch movies before digital streaming became popular.

Towards the rear of the museum, you’ll find interactive exhibits that are sure to capture your attention. There are mock scenes of a safe bedroom, a bedroom after a fire, a safety kitchen, a barn that once housed horses, and a few other displays. Fire safety educators use these hands-on exhibits to engage visitors in an interactive learning experience. You can explore these displays on your own or arrange a group tour. We went with a few friends a few years ago, and it was incredible! The instructors did an excellent job with the children, educating them on fire safety in an engaging and enjoyable way.