The Ohio Fire Museum has a rich and fascinating history that began back in 1983 thanks to the initiative of a group of firefighter enthusiasts from Columbus. These dedicated professionals aimed to preserve the valuable heritage of the fire service, accumulated over decades. They decided to create a place where future generations could learn about the history of firefighting, paying tribute to those who risked their lives for public safety.
In the same year, 1983, a non-profit organization called “Columbus Firefighters Museum, Ohio” was established, marking the first step toward realizing their ambitious dream. This organization officially became a legal entity, thereby providing a legal framework for its activities. One of the first major achievements was signing an agreement with the Columbus city government to lease a building that once housed a fire station. This station, closed in 1982, became an ideal location for creating the museum. The museum’s opening was the culmination of enormous efforts and work that spanned two decades. The members of the organization spent much of that time securing funds necessary to realize their dream. Restoring the historic building required not only financial resources but also countless hours of diligent work. Thanks to their efforts, approximately $900,000 was invested in the building’s restoration to return it to its original condition. Additionally, significant attention was given to the reconstruction of the first floor, which later housed exhibits and historical artifacts.
Finally, on October 1, 2002, after 20 years of diligent work and numerous challenges, the Ohio Fire Museum opened its doors to visitors. This was an important milestone in the museum's history, as now everyone interested can learn about firefighting history, discover the courage and heroism of firefighters, and feel the spirit of this noble profession. The museum became not only a place for preserving artifacts but also a symbol of memory and respect for those who dedicated their lives to fighting fires.
The Ohio Fire Museum is also the permanent home of the Heartmobile—the first mobile cardiology unit in the United States. The Heartmobile program started in 1969 to study the outcomes of providing cardiological assistance to patients even before their arrival at the hospital. The results of this study became the foundation for emergency medical services in the USA.
Initially, the Heartmobile was staffed by a team of three Columbus firefighters and a doctor from the Ohio State Medical Center. This team provided first aid to patients with heart conditions directly at the scene. Thanks to legislative changes in the state, firefighters gained authorization to operate as paramedics and provide advanced cardiological assistance without the mandatory presence of a doctor. This allowed for more effective assistance to victims and increased patient survival rates. In 1972, the Heartmobile was replaced by new medical units that continued the work of emergency medical services. However, the Heartmobile was not forgotten. For the next 13 years, it was used as transportation for the Columbus firefighters' honor guard and for recruiting new personnel. When this unique vehicle was on the verge of being decommissioned, the founders of the Ohio Fire Museum decided to save it. It was stored in a warehouse until 2005, waiting for its revival. Today, visitors to the Ohio Fire Museum can see this restored masterpiece of emergency medical history, which has become an integral part of the museum exhibits and a symbol of the evolution of medical services in the USA.
Current information:
Address: 260 N 4th St, Columbus, OH 43215
Contacts: +1 614-464-4099
Hours:
Tue-Sun 10:00-16:00 (10:00 AM - 04:00 PM)
Mon - Closed
