The Chambersburg Volunteer Fireman's Museum, 441 Broad Street, Chambersburg, PA (2026)

Built in 1900, this station was used by CV #5 until 1975. CVFM houses various fire apparatus, equipment used over the last 100+ years, and more

09/05/2026

Without the support of great community partners, events like this would not be possible. 🫶Together we improve the quality of life, experiences and preserve history so the lessons of the past can shape the future. Now, the museum needs support and awareness in order to preserve the history that lies within, we need our community more than ever! ❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥

A heartfelt thank you to Your Hometown Real Estate LLC, Teresa Rodriguez for your sponsorship of the 3rd Annual Truck & Engine Show Presented by: Patriot Federal Credit Union on October 11th! 🚒

We hope to see you all at the show! This year will be bigger and better than ever before!

09/03/2026

One event shaped Chambersburg's history during the Civil War. It is a tale of resilience during an event that could have left the town in ruins. 🔥🔥🔥

On July 30, 1864, Confederate cavalry under Brigadier General John McCausland entered Chambersburg with orders from General Jubal Early. On the steps of the courthouse, McCausland ransomed the town for $100,000 in gold or $500,000 in Yankee currency. When the ransom was not met, he ordered the town burned.

More than 500 buildings were destroyed and approximately 2,000 people were left homeless. Amid the destruction, local firefighters fought to protect what they could.

The Chambersburg Fire Department records that members of the Friendship Fire Company worked to save Brown's Hotel—today site of the Borough of Chambersburg building.

Their efforts helped prevent the fire from spreading across the street to other important buildings.

The 1864 Burning of Chambersburg is not just a story of destruction.
It is a story of courage, resilience, teamwork and a community determined protect and rebuild their home in extraordinary circumstances.

➡️ Learn more about the 1864 Burning of Chambersburg and an apparatus that was used during the historic event during a special presentation at the 3rd Annual Truck & Engine Show on October 11th.

08/31/2026

For early firefighters in Chambersburg, fighting a fire meant manpower, leather buckets and plenty of teamwork. Over time, firefighting changed and technology was enhanced and the engines were introduced to Chambersburg.

According to the Chambersburg Fire Department's historical records, around 1800, Philip Berlin brought the first hand engine to Chambersburg from Lancaster by Conestoga wagon. In 1838-the company was incorporated under the title of “Friendship Fire Company.

Decades later, Chambersburg firefighters would move from hand-powered equipment to steam-powered fire engines and eventually motorized apparatus.
Some of that evolution can still be seen today at the Chambersburg Volunteer Fireman's Museum.

Every piece of old equipment tells part of the story of how firefighters learned to fight fires more effectively—and how technology changed the job.

08/30/2026

🚨The Chambersburg Volunteer Fireman's Museum is a historic treasure located in the heart of Franklin County, PA!

Come inside and discover over 200 years of firefighting history. Explore antique engines including a White Swan hose reel that was used in the 1864 burning of Chambersburg, discover hundreds of relics that recall the evolution of firefighting and unlock stories of the past. 🚒🧑‍🚒

🔥The museum is a non-profit organization ran by a dedicated group of volunteers. Give us a follow to learn more history, keep up with upcoming events and FREE open house tours available on select dates or by appointment.

📍441 Broad Street, Chambersburg, PA 17201
🌐[email protected]

Your follow not only supports the museum, but helps us grow awareness among the community and our visitors. Community support is key to the ongoing preservation of the museum and its future. Spread the word, tell a friend and keep the history that happened here, alive. ❤️‍🔥

08/29/2026

First FREE giveaway is in hand. Any guesses on who this mystery bag might be from?

Make sure to hit “Interested” on the 3rd Annual Truck & Engine Show Presented by: Patriot Federal Credit Union event page for updates and reminders! We will reveal the contents on the event page!

Join us on an October 11th from 10-4 at the Grant Street Loft and enter our free raffles during the show!

08/25/2026

🔥Let's step back in time...

Did you know that Chambersburg's firefighting history goes back more than 200 years?

The Friendship Fire Company was organized on March of 1780, originally under the name United Fire Company. In its earliest years, the company operated as what was known as a "bag" company, with members carrying bags to fires to rescue valuables.
Eventually, firefighting evolved into the familiar bucket brigade.
👨🏼‍🚒👨🏼‍🚒👨🏼‍🚒Members would form a line from a water source to the fire, passing leather buckets from person to person.

Did you know that households were provided leather buckets to use in the instance of a fire? 🪣🪣

From leather buckets to modern fire apparatus, the story of Chambersburg firefighting is a story of generations of neighbors helping neighbors. 🚒

➡️➡️Come learn more about that history at the Chambersburg Volunteer Fireman's Museum. We are open on select Sunday’s for FREE tours and available by appointment.

Address

441 Broad Street
Chambersburg, PA
17201

Telephone

+17172638660

Website

http://www.chambersburgfire.com/www.chambersburgfire.com/manager/templates/museum.html?z=2&a=16

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