Hanover, PA Fire Department Museum

As I continue to tour of fire museums across the country, I just happened to come across this gem. Not only is this a great collection, but Hanover still has a working Gamewell system. It was nice seeing the little red box on the corner still being utilized!! The Hanover Fire Department Museum is located in the former Hanover Shoe Company power plant building at 241 North Franklin Street, and highlights the evolution of the fire service in the Hanover, PA region and honors those who dedicated their lives to protecting the community.

As you walk in the front entrance, into the open, high-ceiling brick building, you can't help but notice the giant, glass display cabinets that highlight the three early Hanover fire companies and three original Penn Township fire companies. You will also come upon a heavy, silver-painted bell once sat atop the Friendship Fire Company of Pennville, PA. It’s ringing would call volunteers from their homes and businesses, putting their lives on the line to protect the town from the ravages of fire.

You will also find a hand-powered pumper that was around for the dedication of the Washington Monument in 1885 and purchased second-hand by Hanover's Fire Company Number 1; as well as a classic Gamewell fire alarm telegraph system used in 1911 at the Chestnut Street station. The museum is piecing together the scattered remnants of the area's firefighting history and patching together stories that span generations.

The 4,000-square-foot building houses items that had been on display at the small museum in the nearby Wirt Park Fire Station, including Hanover’s 1882 Silsby Steamer. Those items and loads of other firefighting-related equipment, donated and discovered since the museum came to life, now have a place of their own. According to Museum Curator and veteran Hanover Firefighter Wayne Bollinger, "We saved the stuff that everybody else threw away."

I owe a huge debt of gratitude to retired Division Chief Warren Peter (Prince Georges County, MD). Warren provided a fascinating tour of the facility, as well as a number of “back-stories” surrounding pieces of the collection. It was a most enjoyable afternoon, and I highly recommend this one to anyone traveling in the area. Check their website, www.hanoverfiremuseum.com for the hours of operation.