PHOENIX — While the Hall of Flame Museum hasn't always been in Phoenix, it certainly has made Arizona home.
It's been 50 years since the Valley staple opened its doors in Phoenix's Papago Park. From one original gallery to five exhibit galleries and more than 400 members, the Hall of Flame Museum showcases heroism and dedication, Mark Moorhead said. Just like it set out to do in 1961 when the museum was founded.
“We certainly want to teach people firefighting history but also teach fire safety to both children and adults,” Moorhead, who has served as the curator of education for 19 years, said.
The museum was originally founded in Wisconsin by George Getz Jr. The National Historical Fire Foundation was a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with three main goals: the collection, preservation and exhibit of objects relating to the history of firefighting; fire safety education, and the recognition of firefighters who have died in the line of duty or been recognized for acts of heroism.
“It’s not on purpose that the museum ended up here in Arizona but it does make sense, Phoenix has a proud history of being cutting edge with firefighting, and now people can see the evolution."
This incredible collection encompasses lives saved and lives lost, along with the evolution of fire engines and safety gear.
“We’ve become a whole museum with the largest collection (in) the world that’s open to the public," Moorhead said.
The purpose of the facility is largely educational. The museum partners with the Arizona Burn Foundation to teach visitors about fire safety.
“We partner with ABF on their Milo and Moxie program about burn safety and injuries. There’s a lot to learn but we want it to be fun and interactive,” Moorhead said.
In addition to the exhibits and memorabilia, there are also more somber portions of the museum, like the National Firefighting Hall of Heroes. The hall was opened in 1998 and honors the American firefighters who have received a national award for heroism or who have died in the line of duty.
"We have a wall of heroes who are never forgotten and will forever be honored," Moorhead said.
Watch 12News+ for free
You can now watch 12News content anytime, anywhere thanks to the 12News+ app!
The free 12News+ app from 12News lets users stream live events — including daily newscasts like "Today in AZ" and "12 News" and our daily lifestyle program, "Arizona Midday"—on Roku and Amazon Fire TV.
12News+ showcases live video throughout the day for breaking news, local news, weather and even an occasional moment of Zen showcasing breathtaking sights from across Arizona.
Users can also watch on-demand videos of top stories, local politics, I-Team investigations, Arizona-specific features and vintage videos from the 12News archives.
Roku: Add the channel from the Roku store or by searching for "12 News KPNX."
Amazon Fire TV: Search for "12 News KPNX" to find the free 12News+ app to add to your account, or have the 12News+ app delivered directly to your Amazon Fire TV through Amazon.com or the Amazon app.
WE ❤ ARIZONA
Explore amAZing people, places and things across our state on our 12News YouTube playlist here.