Museum & Historical Society

1615 West Oklahoma Avenue

Milwaukee, WI   53215

414. 286-5272

Email: jhley@sbcglobal.net

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

The Milwaukee Fire Department's 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 group visit outside of the regular hours, please contact the Bureau of Instruction & Training or leave a message at the above phone number. 

The building was built in 1927 and was one of the five "bungalow style" fire houses designed by the City of Milwaukee architect Charles Mahlig.  The other fire houses are Engine 13 (still open), Engine 24, Engine 35, Engine 36 and Engine 23.  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 serve a 4-year term.  Deputy Chief Skonieczny was recently elected 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 1930's, a 1943 Pirsch engine, a hand pulled hose cart and a hand pumper from the 1850's.

To view pictures from our archives, please select an area you are interested in from the following options:

• Equipment
• Engine Houses
• Life in an Engine House
• Fires