MFD Museum & Historical Society
1615 West Oklahoma Avenue
Milwaukee, WI 53215
414-286-5272
Milwaukee Fire Historical Society Ltd.
(Fire Museum)
Preserving Milwaukee’s fire history
View the colorful heritage of the Department
Not to be missed when visiting Milwaukee
Museum address and location
1615 West Oklahoma Avenue
(South 16th Street and West Oklahoma Avenue)
Milwaukee, WI 53207
Museum hours
1st Sunday of each month (excluding holidays)
1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Or by appointment
Telephone number
414-286-5272 (museum 24 hr answering machine)
www.milwaukee.gov/fire
Mailing address
Milwaukee Fire Historical Society
%Milwaukee Fire Department
711 W. Wells Street
Milwaukee, WI 53233
Admission is free, donations graciously accepted
Street parking available (free)
Handicapped accessible, all displays located on first floor
On March 6, 2012 the Milwaukee Fire Department Historical Society removed a 1850's hand pumper from the Historical Museum.
VISIT THE PHOTO GALLERY
Milwaukee Fire Historical Society Ltd.
The MFHS was founded in 1981 and is presently located at 1615 W. Oklahoma Avenue in the former firehouse of Engine Company 23 and Truck Company 14.
The Society is dedicated to preserving the rich history, heritage and traditions of the Milwaukee Fire Department. Our facility enables us to be accessible to the public, display our collection of memorabilia and vintage fire apparatus and to conduct educational and historical research activities.
The fire house was constructed in 1927 and remained an active fire station until 1995 when both companies were relocated to a new facility. In 2001 a resolution was passed by the Milwaukee Common Council designating our building a local historical landmark.
Portions of the exterior have been restored to reflect the original facade and architectural design of the twenties. The entire interior décor remains much the same as from days gone by.
Included among the exhibits are a circa 1910 working fire alarm telegraph system, a functional 1920’s firehouse kitchen, original station furniture and furnished personal lockers reflecting the period.
Several pieces of fire apparatus are on display: A 1927 “MFD” pumper and a 1930 “MFD” service truck, both hand built in the fire department repair shop have been beautifully restored to their original condition. In addition is a stunning 1947 Cadillac ambulance and a classic 1942 Pirsch sedan style pumper.
Our apparatus collection also includes a 1927 “MFD” pumper currently on loan and displayed at the Wisconsin State Firefighters Memorial Park in Wisconsin Rapids and a rare 1957 Mack/Magirus ladder truck currently undergoing restoration. This unit served the MFD in the downtown area for many years.
The Society is governed by a board of directors who serve four year rotating terms. All of these positions are currently staffed by active and retired members of the Milwaukee Fire Department.
As a completely volunteer society, we have undertaken the mission of caretakers in promoting the wonderful legacy of the Milwaukee Fire Department.
The museum is open on the first Sunday of each month and by appointment. Additional information can be obtained by visiting the Milwaukee Fire Department web site and proceeding to our museum link. The Society is recognized by the IRS as a non-profit charitable 501 (c) (3) organization.
The Society has no better friends than those who support the fire service and those who champion the mission we embrace. The charitable support received assists us with the many facets in sustaining the museum. We are truly grateful for the interest, generosity and support in making a dream become a reality.
Sincerely,
Board of Directors
Milwaukee Fire Historical Society, Ltd.
President: Warren Skonieczny (Deputy Chief, Ret)
Secretary: James Kneuppel (Heavy Equipment Operator, Ret)
Treasurer: Randy Leach (Lieutenant, Ret)
Board Members: William Voboril (Deputy Chief, Ret)
Charlie Krueger (Battalion Chief, Ret)
Dan Rode (Lieutenant, Engine Co. 5)
Al Zehm (Firefighter, Ret)
Curator: Jim Ley (Battalion Chief, MFD, Homeland Security)
Curator Emeritus Mr. Keith Franz (Venerable Fire Museum)