Fireman's Museum of Sag Harbor

The collection on display in this authentic, historic firehouse dates back to the year 1803 when the Sag Harbor Fire Department came into being. The department is the oldest volunteer fire department in the state of New York.

Originally, the building was constructed for religious purposes in the year 1833. In 1848 it was sold to the Woodward family, who, in 1856 sold the land and building to the village of Sag Harbor. From 1866 to 1871 the building was utilized as a school house.

In the latter part of 1871 the school facilities were moved to the new Union School (presently the Municipal Building) on Main Street. Until 1896 the building was used as a village hall, a jail and a fire garage for the Hound Engine company, later to become the Montauk Hose company of the Sag Harbor Fire Department.

An additional 'bay' was constructed to house the Gazelle Hose company whose quarters on Washington Street were destroyed by fire in the mid 19th Century. When new quarters were constructed for the Phoenix Hook and Ladder Company and the Gazelle Hose Company adjacent to the Municipal building, the Montauk Hose Company became the sole occupant of the building until 1976 when their quarters were removed to the Columbia Street complex.

In the fall of 1977 the building was turned over to the Sag Harbor Fire Department for renovation as a fire museum and work began that year with volunteer labor.

As you approach the building, which is located on the corner of Sage and Church Streets in Sag Harbor, note the old jail, the bell cupola, and the old bell--give it a pull for old times sake!--which pealed when fire threatened the community. You can enter the museum either by the door or the 'bays'. (Handicapped persons will find it more convenient to enter by the 'bay').

On your right, a mural by the late Arthur Nielsen portrays the volunteer fireman in action. Moving about the first floor of the building note the various photographs, the old leather fire buckets--if a village resident didn't keep one of these in his house at all times, for use of the bucket brigades, he was fined fifty cents! An original Scott Air Pak used for internal smokey fires -- the fireman seeking out perhaps a child, an adult even an animal trapped by flames.

Note the old portable radio, an early form of communication in use after the speaking trumpet had passed into history, alarm bells, trophies, water pumps and of course -- a pot belly wood stove to keep the fireman warm in winter as he kept his lonely vigil in the firehouse. The hand-pulled hose cart, 'Hayrack' ladder wagon are both reminiscent of the 1800's when 'manpower' was the chief motive power.

The old chief's hat and oil lamp of a bygone era, and one of the museum's prized possessions -- a hose drying rack -- recalling the days when linen hose was used instead of the present day canvas and neoprene. This type of hose had to be dried before it could be stowed on the hose cart to prevent rotting and deterioration.

There is more space on the second floor. Here are kept the old ledger and record books, old hoze nozzels, alarm boxes and a wealth of other material. From time to time donations of old equipment is made to the museum on eastern Long Island!

A small gift counter is available to purchase souvenirs and other items. The museum appreciates your purchases and your attendance at this museum. Come again, you are always welcome.