The Los Angeles Fire Department Harbor Museum is a fascinating and educational destination located in a historic former fire station in San Pedro. This museum offers visitors a unique glimpse into the rich history of the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD), particularly its operations in the harbor area. Housed in Old Fire Station 36, a structure built in 1920, the museum itself is a piece of history and has been carefully preserved to maintain its original charm.
Inside, guests can explore a wide range of exhibits showcasing vintage firefighting equipment, including antique fire engines, tools, uniforms, and communication gear. These artifacts highlight the evolution of firefighting technology and techniques over the years. One of the museum’s main attractions is a beautifully restored 1920s-era fire truck that once served the community.
Knowledgeable volunteers, many of whom are retired firefighters, are available to share stories, answer questions, and offer insights into the daily lives and heroic efforts of LAFD personnel throughout the decades. The museum is a great destination for families, history enthusiasts, and anyone interested in public safety. It not only honors the bravery of firefighters but also serves as an important reminder of the department’s dedication to protecting the city of...
Read moreGiving this museum one star is being a bit too generous!
Great amount of history and information along with equipment and artifacts to go along with it! However, their staff, specifically one of the five on hand, needs proper etiquette on how to reprimand children. Specifically, the rude host was wearing a hawaiian shirt when we visited on Saturday, July 8, 2017. I don't know if he needs to confine himself to a retirement home or just not be around children at all. I wouldn't recommend my students to visit while that person, paid volunteer or not, is working and would advise families not to as well. It wouldn't be a memorable experience until he had a proper attitude adjustment!
Hopefully my call to "David" at their other location would have made a change on how he approaches museum visitors,...
Read moreThe harbor museum is a nice prior fire station where they house 4 old fire apparatus and numerous artifacts from firefighting in the 1900s. The volunteers were very knowledgeable. They open on select Fridays when they have an available volunteer to open the place up. Be sure to reach out via their Facebook page to inquire about when they will be open. Also, be aware that the fireboat is NOT in this museum. It is across the street down a block. The fireboat (old fireboat #2) is open on select Saturdays. While you are here consider going across the street to the active fire station where the current active fire boat #2 is housed. The firefighters there are willing to give...
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