NYPD and Fire Department Museums Look at Everyday Heroes

Two interesting and educational museums for any Big Apple visitor are the New York City Fire Museum and the New York City Police Museum. Both are easy to reach by subway and have donations-only admission. These museums honor the city's fire and police heroes through artifacts, memorabilia, history lessons, displays and even off-duty officers and firefighters who help with exhibit interpretation, and who also enjoy telling their stories.

The New York City Fire Museum.

Located at 278 Spring Street in an old firehouse, the Fire Museum appears from the outside just as a firehouse should: with high stone arches over the windows and doors, and red brick walls. Upon entering the Museum, visitors are greeted by off-duty firefighters who are eager to share their stories, knowledge and expertise. A leisurely walk through the building reveals a trek through the history of firefighting in New York City. On display are fire engines, firefighting suits and equipment that represent the evolution of firefighting vehicles and tools across time. The displays honor the heroes who have selflessly served the FDNY and protected the city throughout the years. One especially interesting exhibit is a map of modern-day Manhattan laid over the island's original layout. Visitors can compare past and present routes, and imagine the paths taken by firefighters throughout history as they raced to help the city's citizens.

The New York City Police Museum.

At 25 Broadway, between Morris and Bowling Green, the Police Museum is in the heart of the financial district and near several other museums of note, including the Museum of the American Indian, Museum of American Financial History, Museum of Jewish Heritage, Living Memorial to the Holocaust, and the Ellis Island & Statue of Liberty Ferries. Slightly larger than the Fire Museum, this tribute to New York City's policemen and policewomen treats visitors to a timeline through artifacts. On display are uniforms, badges, medals, motorcycles and even a squad car. Thoughtfully laid-out exhibits give insight into the inner workings of the modern police force, including forensic science, numerous different police divisions and the structure of today's police department.

When in New York City, the Fire and Police Museums treat visitors to a historical lesson on the growth and development of today's modern fire and police departments. Learning about the evolution of both forces gives visitors a new appreciation for the public service these heroes provide, and provides a look at interesting and one-of-a-kind historical artifacts, photographs and artwork relating to firefighting and police duty. Visitors of all ages will enjoy the displays, exhibits and information found in these two enlightening and earnest museums.