Place

Fire Museum of Maryland

A red fireboat and an antique fire engine are displayed outside the Fire Museum of Maryland.
Discover the stories of those who protected the Bay’s shores, vessels, and communities.

Fire Museum of Maryland

Quick Facts
Location:
1301 R York Rd, Lutherville MD 21093
Significance:
The Fire Museum of Maryland preserves Chesapeake Bay maritime firefighting history through the historic fireboat Thomas D’Alesandro Jr., connecting emergency response to Bay stewardship.
Designation:
Chesapeake Gateways Network Site

Gifts/Souvenirs/Books, Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Internet/WiFi Available, Parking - Auto, Restroom - Accessible

The Fire Museum of Maryland connects visitors to the Chesapeake Bay’s maritime and firefighting heritage while preserving a broader legacy of firefighting across Maryland’s communities. As a Chesapeake Gateways Place, the museum highlights both land and water-based emergency response history, showcasing the vital role of fire services in safeguarding people, property, and the Bay.

A centerpiece of the museum’s Chesapeake Bay connection is the historic fireboat Thomas D’Alesandro Jr., which patrolled the Bay and its tributaries from 1956 to 2007, protecting marine vessels and shoreline industries. Visitors can step aboard, explore the wheelhouse, operate a working spotlight, and learn about dramatic rescues like the Port Deposit train fire.

Beyond the fireboat, the museum features an impressive collection of antique fire engines, tools, uniforms, and equipment that tell the evolving story of firefighting in Maryland. Interactive exhibits and engaging displays provide insight into the bravery and innovation that shaped both rural towns and bustling cities along the Chesapeake.

Open year-round with expanded summer hours, the Fire Museum of Maryland offers an immersive journey through the history of fire service and its enduring importance to the region’s cultural and environmental stewardship. Learn more about exhibits, tours, and events by visiting the fire Museum of Maryland's website.

Chesapeake Bay

Last updated: January 6, 2026