Phoenix Fire Museum Reopens

Apr 9th, 2007

With the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, many people saw devastation take months to disappear. While Mobile has distanced itself from this natural disaster, its effects could still be felt at a few sites. Until now the Phoenix Fire Museum was one such place. Converted from a volunteer fire company station to a museum in 1964, The Phoenix is the only one of its kind in the southeast. With its roof torn away and its walls and foundation compromised by the onset of moisture, the Phoenix Fire Museum was only half operational, as its second floor had to be decommissioned and emptied. But like the mythical creature that is its namesake, the Museum has begun to rise again from its own ashes.

On April 9, 2007 the Museum of Mobile proudly unveils this historic building to the public once more as a fully functioning museum. As a satellite to the Museum of Mobile’s main location in the Southern Market/Old City Hall, the newly reconditioned Phoenix Fire Museum paints a picture of the history of the Mobile Fire Department, from its beginnings of hand pulled carts and bucket brigades to the modern day with how the department helped in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on New York City and Washington, D.C With newly developed text to accompany the retired fire equipment from days of old, the visitor to the Phoenix will be exposed to an entity that has been in Mobile as early as 1819.

Included in this reconditioning is the newly commissioned plaque commemorating those who have died while in the line of duty serving Mobile’s Fire Department. Join us on April 9, 2007 to honor the men and women of M.F.D at the Phoenix Fire Museum.

The Phoenix Fire Museum, located in historic downtown Mobile at 203 S. Claiborne St. was the home of the Phoenix Volunteer Fire Company No. 6. and still displays authentic turn of the century steam engines and fire fighting equipment. The Phoenix is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

Visitors can also glimpse the fiery history of Mobile by visiting the Disasters Gallery at The Museum of Mobile and experience how so much of the city’s 300 year streetscape has been lost to flames. Located at 111 South Royal Street, The Museum of Mobile’s hours are Monday through Saturday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Sunday 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm. The first Sunday in every month is free! For more information about this or upcoming exhibits call 251-208-7569 or visit www.museumofmobile.com.