The historic Friendship Firehouse is a City of Alexandria museum. Exhibits highlight historic firefighting in Alexandria and the fire company’s important presence in the community supporting civic events. The Engine Room includes three large fire apparatus on display—a hand-cranked fire engine c.1825-mid 1830s, Friendship’s Hand-Pumped Suction Engine from 1851, and Friendship’s Hose Rell Carriage from 1858.

The firehouse was constructed in 1855. It had a steeple, a balcony fronting the street, and sand covering the Engine Room’s dirt floor. The bell in the cupola was installed in 1857. The building was remodeled in 1871 with the façade and cupola we see today. The brick floor dates from 1921. Restoration by the City of Alexandria was completed in 1993.

Members of the Friendship Fire Company were white men of a variety of vocations, including bricklayers, coachmakers, carpenters, bakers, merchants, painters, and tavernkeepers. Nevertheless, firefighting was a community effort. For example, the company’s Minute Book in September 1810 discusses appropriating funds for compensating African American men “who aided and appointed in working the Engine during the fire which took place on the night of the 24th.”

Women spearheaded fundraising to support the Friendship Fire Company. One of their fundraising fairs was in June 1855. The Alexandria Gazette noted that, “Preparations are being made by several ladies and their friends for holding a Fair for the purpose of raising funds for building an Engine House for the Friendship Fire Company.” Their efforts were successful, with the paper noting “The gross receipts from the Fair, . . . will fully enable [the Company] to consummate its wishes as regards its engine house.”

In the latter half of the 19th century the Friendship Fire Company fought fires less frequently as the paid City fire department was organized and career firefighters established. Early in the 20th century the membership formed a veteran’s organization.

Today, the Friendship Veterans Fire Engine Association continues as an active philanthropic and public service organization. They first opened the building as a museum in 1952, donating the building and its collections to the City in 1989.