Cincinnati Fire Museum

Cincinnati established the first full-time paid professional fire department in the United States in 1853. The change followed the development of a practical steam fire engine by local inventors Alexander Latta and Abel Shawk and growing problems within the volunteer system.The museum fills a historic Court Street firehouse with apparatus, equipment, firefighter stories, and fire-safety exhibits. Admission is paid, and the museum currently opens Tuesday through Saturday. Groups larger than 10 require advance arrangements, and major holidays can change the schedule. More

Cincinnati established the first full-time paid professional fire department in the United States in 1853. The change followed the development of a practical steam fire engine by local inventors Alexander Latta and Abel Shawk and growing problems within the volunteer system.The museum fills a historic Court Street firehouse with apparatus, equipment, firefighter stories, and fire-safety exhibits. Admission is paid, and the museum currently opens Tuesday through Saturday. Groups larger than 10 require advance arrangements, and major holidays can change the schedule. More