Built on the grounds of the Firemen's Home in 1925 to safeguard the long and exciting heritage of firefighting in New York State, floor-to-ceiling displays of historic paintings, dramatic photo exhibits, badges, helmets, torches and antique toys document firefighting history, dating back to 1648 when Peter Stuyvesant appointed four fire wardens to inspect the wooden chimneys of houses in an effort to thwart disaster.

Notably, the first organized firefighting company was started in New York City in 1731, when 42 able-bodied men officially became city firemen.

Photo courtesy of contracting distributor Commercial Door Specialties, Inc., Ballstone Spa, New York and UniPul sales representative The Duszynski Agency, Amherst, New York.