Sound the Alarm: New York State Museum Unveils Updated Fire Engine Hall Exhibit With “Fear Not, We Come”

Media Contact:
JP O'Hare
518) 474-1201
[email protected]
www.nysed.gov

First Refresh in Decades Celebrates Firefighting Innovation, Heritage, and Heroism in New York State

The New York State Museum is proud to announce the opening of "Fear Not, We Come," an exciting new update to its beloved Fire Engine Hall-first opened in 1978. This revitalized, long-term exhibition now showcases additional artifacts from the Museum's renowned firefighting collection, tells new stories of people who changed the course of firefighting history, and features updated visuals-including a custom mural-to celebrate the unbreakable spirit of New York State's fire service across generations.

Carrie Ross, Director of Exhibitions said, "Fear Not, We Come" is both a rallying cry for firefighters and a statement of the Museum's commitment to illuminating the remarkable heritage of New York's fire service. We want children, families, and visitors to leave with a deeper understanding of how these brave men and women have tirelessly served-and continue to serve-communities across the state."

Featuring refreshed signage and newly displayed objects, the updates to Fire Engine Hall are the first to be made to the exhibition in decades. Upon entering the gallery, visitors will encounter a striking, illuminated 1890 fire alarm box lantern, setting the tone for the recent enhancements. "Fear Not, We Come" tells the evolving story of firefighting technology, from hand- and horse-drawn engines to powerful motorized apparatus.

In a nod to the people behind the hoses and helmets, this exhibition goes beyond the machines themselves. Visitors can view the badge of retired FDNY Captain Brenda Berkman and learn about how her actions led to a pivotal step forward for women in diversifying the firefighting ranks. Rare historical images, drawn from the New York State Library's Manuscripts and Special Collections, offer additional insights into how firefighting has shaped-and been shaped by-New Yorkers' tireless dedication to public safety.

From the colonial era through the mid-20th century, New York State led the way in developing and manufacturing fire protection gear and apparatus. By exploring how fire engines have evolved, and how fire companies have fostered civic pride, "Fear Not, We Come" honors those who have battled blazes to save lives and property for centuries.

Behind the scenes footage, available on the Museum's website, offers a peek at the custom mural created by Museum staff in 2024 to illuminate this new chapter of Fire Engine Hall. This visual centerpiece underscores the Museum's commitment to telling the ever-burning story of New York's firefighting heritage in bold, engaging ways.

"Fear Not, We Come" is now open as a long-term exhibition in Fire Engine Hall at the New York State Museum.

About the Cultural Education Center   

Established in 1836, the New York State Museum is the oldest and largest public museum in the United States. Home to leading scientists, historians, archeologists, and anthropologists, its collections represent the State's rich cultural and natural heritage from the past and present, including a staggering 20+ million artifacts spanning 480 million years ago to today. Located at 222 Madison Avenue in Albany, the Museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is closed on the Fourth of July, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. Admission is free. For additional information, visit the New York State Museum website.    

The New York State Library is part of the Office of Cultural Education within the New York State Education Department. Visit the New York State Library website for a complete list of upcoming programs. To receive news, resources, and other updates, please subscribe to the quarterly newsletter.    

The New York State Archives holds many of the oldest and most important archival treasures in the nation. The Archives preserves and makes accessible over 250 million records of New York's State and colonial governments dating from 1630 to the present. The State Archives provides free access to photographs, artifacts, documents, manuscripts, and other materials that tell the story of New York's history via its Digital Collections on the Archives website.    

The Archives Partnership Trust was founded in 1992 to build an endowment and provide project support to enhance humanities programs, increase access to these outstanding treasures, and continue the preservation of New York's historical records. Since its founding, the Partnership Trust, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, has supported exceptional projects and programs. These include the Research Residency Program, the Student Research Awards Program, history conferences, special exhibitions, public education programs, book signings and lectures, publications, teacher training institutes, preservation projects, and more.   

The State Museum, State Library, and State Archives are programs of the New York State Education Department's Office of Cultural Education. Further information about programs and events can be obtained by calling (518) 474-5877 or by visiting the Office of Cultural Education website.   

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