MFD Museum & Historical Society
1615 West Oklahoma Avenue
Milwaukee, WI 53215
414-286-5272
 

Located in old Engine 23's quarters, the Museum & Historical Society is open the first Sunday of every month from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Admission is free but donations are graciously accepted.

The Milwaukee Fire Department's Museum & Historical Society was founded in 1981 as a State of Wisconsin tax-exempt organization. Its membership is comprised of active and retired firefighters, as well as civilians interested in preserving MFD history. The museum is also used as a fire education center. To schedule a visit go to our Community Relations section and fill out a program request form.  

The building was built in 1927 and was one of the five "bungalow style" firehouses designed by the City of Milwaukee architect Charles Mahlig. This building remained open until 1995 when a new Engine 23 was completed on 20th and Oklahoma. The MFD Historical Society was able to obtain the building and renovations were completed to bring the building up to code. In 2003 the Society was able to install a new apparatus door and archway to restore the building to its original look.

The MFD Historical Society is governed by a five-member board who all serve a 4-year term. Deputy Chief Skonieczny was recently elected as its new chair. An annual meeting is held at the museum every November. If you are interested in joining the MFD Historical Society please click here.

Exhibits at the museum include a working fire alarm telegraph system, five pieces of fire apparatus, two MFD shop-built pieces from the 1930s, a 1943 Pirsch engine, a hand-pulled hose cart, and a hand pumper from the 1850s.