The Museum is place where others can enjoy this special collection of fire memorabilia and artifacts that captures memories of the past.

Our Museum roots begin in Medford, Massachusetts,  where as a boy, our father, Al Fay, ran to the end of his block to watch and chase fire trucks. 

As a young boy, he was allowed to be in the station, where he often helped clean, wash, and shine the trucks.

Dad got the spark in 1942!

The influence of the war  meant that the equipment and trucks were of a vintage time and past era.  Firefighting was differnt then, too.  The 

firefighters hung on and road the back step, and a tiller man steered from the rear seat of the hook & ladder as they raced to the scene!

Dad was saddened to see the old engines being scrapped, and he started to take pictures of these relics and continued for 75 years ! 

Thus the collection was born.

Fast Forward to 1956, where his dream is realized in Burlington, MA.  Dad  becomes a paid,  full-time firefighter and drives a new B Model Mack Pumper.  This is  also the beginning of collecting fire memorabilia, pictures, artifacts, toy fire trucks and real fire trucks; which eventually even included an American La France Ladder truck !  

 This collection, and his profession, became one in the same.  Dad took enormous pride in both.   This was his passion, and this was his life.

Over the years, Dad became the face of Burlington Fire Department, and his impact within the community grew beyond just being a firefighter.

He utilized his position as Fire Prevention Officer to educate, engage, and influence children's understanding and knowledge about fire safety.  

He did this at the station, at schools and with his antique fire truck!

Opening in 1993, the Museum was a post retirement vision created to share his private collection with the public and to garage the 1940 Ford Pumper !

Unfortunatly, due to the circumstances, the Musuem is no longer open to the public.

Private showings are available by appointment only.

Al believed that collecting was not just about buying any item; he would seek and discover items related to fire fighting history.  His collecting was personal too, and many items have a first hand connection to his 35 years of service.  

For example, there is a hose nozzle that he used during the great Chelsea fire.

Understanding his intent is the best way to see the collection; all through his eyes!

"Fire memorabilia - Bought and Sold"

We will continue to offer for sale duplicate and unneeded items.

Check back here for updates, pictures and recent postings.

Thank you