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San Francisco Department Fire Museum: What to Expect When You Visit
by Jill Loeffler •
A visit to the San Francisco Fire Department Museum is perfect for those that want to learn more about SF fire department over the years, including their role in the tragic 1906 Earthquake and Fire.
Some of my favorite things to check out when I visit include one of the first fire trucks purchased for SF, the exhibits about Lillie Hitchcock Coit (the person who donated money to build Coit Tower), and some old fire department memorabilia.
This hidden gem is in the city's Pacific Heights neighborhood. The museum houses one of the largest historic fire department memorabilia collections on the West Coast.
Volunteers run this small, yet important SF museum so is only open a few days a week.
Because it is run by volunteers, I recommend contacting them before you arrive to make sure they are open during your visit. The last time I visited, they mentioned they have problems getting volunteers, so they may close during their posted regular hours.
The S.F.F.D. Fire Museum is easy to find as it sits in a room next to one of the city's working firehouses.
Read on to learn more about what you'll see inside, including photos from my most recent visits.
This is a great example of the types of old fire engines you will see inside the S.F.F.D. Fire Museum.The space is small but filled with unique treasures. Make sure to check out this fantastic, old bell during your visit.
It used to sit by the front door but is now on the other side of the desk so you can walk around it.
It's fun to get up close to the bell, which is of great importance in the history of the San Francisco Fire Department.The bell was originally in Portsmouth Square in Chinatown. It was used for decades to warn residents in the area of fires.
During the 1906 Earthquake and Fire, it fell, cracked, and partially melted from the heat.
Luckily a local firefighter fought to ensure it wasn't swept away with the rest of the trash from the devastation. Today, you can take a close look at it during your visit.
More Highlights of this SF Museum
The walls in this one-room gallery are lined with artifacts, photos, and other memorabilia. One of the largest displays is about the 1906 Earthquake and Fire (learn more about this event).
This exhibit includes photos, documentation, and melted items from this event.
You can also learn more about the two firefighters that died during the fires and see about a dozen postcards designed to show what San Francisco was like after the devastation.
This is a look inside part of the display case for the 1906 Earthquake and Fire disaster in San Francisco. They have some old photos, memorabilia, and details on the fire department's role in this important historic event.Another exciting display inside the San Francisco Fire Department Museum is the one on Lillie Hitchcock Coit.
She was a San Francisco resident who was saved by and then spent quite a bit of time hanging out with the members of SF Fire Department.
She also donated money to build Coit Tower (see pictures of Coit Tower and learn more).
Here is an excellent photo of her inside the exhibit her importance to the San Francisco Fire Department.
Lillie Hitchcock Coit turned into an important figure in San Francisco and to the local fire department. You can learn all about her inside the museum.In addition to these items, you will also find several old vehicles in the San Francisco Fire Museum. Here are just a few of my favorites.
This colorful 'fire truck' dates back to 1810. It was one of the first three fire vehicles for San Francisco. It was restored in 1979 to its original colors of blue and yellow.
This is the other side of this old fire truck.
I love the care and color they added to these old fire department vehicles. This is a wheel from another engine from the late 1800s.
This display is about the fire department's role after the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake in San Francisco. As you can see, one of the cities biggest dangers during the earthquakes is the fires that follow.
Fires after the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake were a problem. The SF Fire Department's role after this earthquake was vital in minimizing the damage from this event in San Francisco.For years, the San Francisco Fire Department was made up of several volunteer companies. These are some of the hats from these companies.
Several hats from the Volunteer fire companies that used to make up the San Francisco Fire Department.Visiting
Look for this entrance to the S.F.F.D. Fire Museum when you arrive. It's on the northern side of the local fire department.The San Francisco Fire Department Museum is only open Thursday - Sunday afternoons from 1 pm to 4 pm. Since it's volunteer run, you should call ahead before visiting.
Sometimes, they are short of volunteers, so they might be closed during these hours.
The museum is free, but you can always leave a little donation if you want to help support their cause.
Call them at (415) 558-3546 to confirm their schedule.
It is located at 655 Presidio Avenue on the corner of Bush Street and Presidio Avenue in the Pacific Heights district.
From Union Square:
- 1-California: Another option is the 1-California. In downtown SF, you will find the stops on Sacramento Street. Take this bus to the California Street and Presidio Avenue stop. This stop is about a block and a half north.
From Fisherman's Wharf:
- 49-Van Ness/Mission to 1-California: You will want to pick up the 49-Van Ness/Mission bus in Fisherman's Wharf. Take this bus to the Van Ness Street and Sacramento Street stop. This is where you can pick up the 1-California. Take this to the California Street and Presidio Avenue stop, about a block and a half north.
Other Attractions You Might Enjoy
Other Museums You Will Enjoy
Exploratorium: This award-winning museum offers your kids (and you!) a chance to play around as you learn about science. They consider themselves a hands-on human perception and science museum. Here, you will learn about how the different colors develop, what impacts sounds, and how interactions impact emotions. You will also learn about balance, motion, and cell creation.
Legion of Honor: This gorgeous attraction sits inside a historic mansion near the Pacific Ocean in SF's Seacliff District. It allows you to see a few hundred pieces of work from around the world. Their collection includes several Rodin statues, one of Monet's beautiful water lily pieces, and a unique statue from Pablo Picasso.
Cartoon Art Museum: This is a fun place for those that love comic strips. Its permanent collection features thousands of pieces, including everything from Calvin and Hobbs to historic Peanuts works.
Comments? Questions? Suggestions?
I would love for you to join me in my private Facebook group!
It's a great place to interact with me and others who know the area well.
You can ask questions, get advice for your upcoming stay, and then share your photos and advice with others when you return home. It's a great community and the fastest way to get answers to those nagging questions about your visit!