A hand engine pumping contest and parade of July 4th, 1890 engendered such a lively interest in the by gone glory of firefighting, that an organization was formed to maintain the memory of those days.

The New Bedford Veteran Fireman's Association was established on November 10th, 1890 to "collect and preserve records, papers, relics and sayings pertaining to the N.B.F.D. and foster goodwill and friendly intercourse by occasional meetings."

The spirit of the Veteran Fireman's Association was located at the corner of Foster and Hogh Streets and remained at that location until the early 1970's when the museum building was acquired by the city's Urban Renewal Agency. Interest in the old organization eventually waned and it disbanded.

The spirit of the Veteran Fireman has been rekindled by the New Bedford Fire Museum Association and the memorabilia and collection of antique equipment has beed preserved and is on display at the Fire Museum at Old Station No. 4 just outside the Historic Distric.

The New Bedford Fire Museum is a unique place dedicated to the presentation of the development of urban fire fighting technology, equipment and organizations.

Old Fire Station No. 4 was built in 1867 and is possibly the oldest active station in the state of Massachusetts.

The New Bedford Fire Museum Association is a non-profit educational organization offering a range of historic and educational interest:

• Restored Antique Fire trucks
• Historic Pieces of Fire Equipment
• Antique Records and Ledgers
• Fire Alarms Technology
• Antique and Cotemporary Fire Uniforms
• Working Full-Size Models of Fire Pumps and Fire Poles
• Mementos and Anecdotes of Early New Bedford Fire Fighting History

The New Bedford Fire Museum Association welcomes new memberships. Membership includes:

• Unlimited Free Admission to the Museum
• Access to Research Materials
• Extended Family Benefits
• Annual Reports, Annoucements on Current and Up-Coming Activities. Membership information is available at the museum.