Take a ride to your local fire station for some free fun this February. Most stations are happy to show visitors around, but always call before you go. Here are some stations that have been converted into museums to house some of Atlanta’s most historic memories.

Marietta Fire Museum

Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sat. and Sun. by appointment only.
Take in some history at Marietta’s museum, which has items on display dating back to the 1800s. The fire museum has antique clothing and equipment, a “Wall of Flame” photo wall and five vintage fire trucks. This two-story museum is home to an 1879 Silsby Steamer, which is one of only five in existence. Visitors can also view a 1949 Pirsch Ladder Truck, originally one of the longest reaching ladders in north Georgia. It was last used during the United Plastics fire (Nov. 1, 1981). 112 Haynes St., Marietta. 770-794-5491

 


Roswell Fire Museum

Daily, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Based in an old Chevrolet dealership, this fire museum is filled with historic pictures to interest visitors. The museum even installed a computer to house a slideshow of the pictures. One such photo is of Atlanta’s Great Fire (May 21, 1917), which destroyed 73 blocks just east of downtown. The museum’s main draw is a 1947 Form American LaFrance Pumper. The city occasionally removes this piece from the museum for maintenance. Note: The museum closes when station personnel leave to respond to emergency calls. 1002 Alpharetta St., Roswell. 770-641-3730


Fire Station #6 Museum

Daily: 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sept. 4-May 28;
9 a.m.-6 p.m., May 29-Sept. 3

This fire station, built in 1894, served the Sweet Auburn community of Atlanta for 97 years. Managed by the National Park Service, this retired station reopened in 1996 as a museum and proudly displays a 1927 LaFrance fire engine. The museum is also home to the Eastern National Bookstore, which carries over 200 titles that emphasize African-American history. Boulevard at Auburn Ave., Atlanta. 404-331-6922

– Alexi Wilbourn

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