Monroe County History Center

Indianapolis-area firefighters have responded to emergencies great and small for more than 150 years. One way to see how far firefighting has evolved is to visit the Indianapolis Fire Museum. Housed in the old No. 2 Fire Station, a building inspired by Italianate architecture, the station was erected in 1872 and used until 1933. The museum doubles as the firefighters union's headquarters and the Survive Alive safety program for children.Best and Worst Times to Go to Indianapolis Firefighters MuseumApproximately 10,000 people tour the museum each year, so it's not very crowded unless there's a safety program going on. The museum's hours are Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturdays April through October from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.Must See/Do at Indianapolis Firefighters MuseumNo visit to Indianapolis is complete without learning the history of the 1963 Coliseum Explosion, in which 74 spectators were killed and nearly 400 injured by a propane explosion during an ice skating expo. Another must see is Pumper No. 15, a Stutz truck that pumped 600 gallons of water a minute and was used from 1919 to 1971--by comparison, today's trucks pump 2500 gallons of water per minute. Also worth seeing is an exhibit dedicated to African-American firefighters, who were first hired in 1876 and integrated in 1960. The IFD's first black fire chief was appointed in 1987, and the current fire chief is black. Fifteen percent of IFD firefighters are black.Admission to Indianapolis Firefighters MuseumAdmission is free.Parking and Public Transportation to Indianapolis Firefighters MuseumThere is a parking lot just off St. Clair Street. IndyGo's route 17 passes the museum as well.Food at Indianapolis Firefighters MuseumThere are no food options at the museum, but there are several independent restaurants within walking distance. Yats is a must for Cajun fans and has been voted "Best Restaurant to Eat At If You're Buying" by Nuvo readers. Chatham Tap Restaurant and Pub is an excellent English-themed soccer bar--try the fish and chips. Mesh on Mass Ave has an excellent $2 bar menu.Insider Tip for Indianapolis Firefighters MuseumEarly firefighters were nicknamed "smoke eaters" because they considered the self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) unreliable and didn't wear them. This was the trend until the Scott 2.2 model was introduced. A modern-day firefighter wouldn't even consider going without a SCBA, but even with this innovation cancer, heart, and lung disease remain the leading cause of death for firefighters.Author's bio: Becky Oberg is a professional writer who has left Indianapolis three times, only to return each time. Her hobbies include acting, writing, reading, singing, and playing video games.