WHAT: The Houston Fire Department will join the grand reopening celebration for the Houston Fire Museum.
WHEN: Saturday, October 12, 2024
• Media preview: 8-9 a.m.
• VIP Reception: 9-10 a.m.
• Open to the public: 10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. (Visitors are asked to pre-register for Saturday’s event at www.houstonfiremuseum.org )
WHERE: 2403 Milam St., Houston, TX 77006 (Old Station #7)
VISUALS: In addition to the historic fire station and its $5.7M renovation, media can expect to gather content featuring:
• Sparky the fire dog mascot
• Virtual firefighter exhibit
• Inflatable fire safety house
INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES: The following people are available for interview to discuss the grand reopening:
• Kate Ryther, Executive Director – Houston Fire Museum
• Fire Chief Thomas Muñoz – Houston Fire Department (after 9:30 a.m.)
• Felicia Hutchins, Corporate Responsibility – State Farm
• Jeremy Bolen, VP of Greater Houston Region – State Farm
• Tom McDonald, retired HFD – President of Houston Fire Museum Board of Trustees
• Rick Flanagan, retired HFD interim Fire Chief – Member, Houston Fire Museum Board of Trustees
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: The Houston Fire Museum recently completed a $5.7M building preservation project. The Museum’s home, Old 7’s, a station built in 1899, is reopening after being closed in 2020. This 125-year-old historic gem was the first station built and paid for by the City of Houston and is the oldest fire station still standing.
Preservation work included removing the exterior stucco to expose the original brick façade, restoration of the all the original windows, wood flooring, and ceiling. Accessibility and comfort issues were addressed by adding ADA-compliant restrooms, centralized HVAC system and a modern fire suppression system. New features include a designated private room for celebrations including children’s birthday parties and an outdoor courtyard. In recognition of October’s annual fire prevention week, the Museum has partnered with State Farm for the unveiling of a virtual firefighter and inflatable fire safety house both sponsored by State Farm through its State Farm Good Neighbor Citizenship® Program.
The virtual firefighter will teach fire safety in English and in Spanish in an engaging and interactive manner. The outdoor inflatable safety house accommodates 15 people and is an easy, safe, and fun way to talk about home escape plans, kitchen safety and smoke alarms.
“We are limiting our opening exhibits to highlight the masonry, wood, and window restorations that have been completed on this historic gem”, states Kate Ryther, Executive Director. “ The building has received a Good Brick Award from Preservation Houston and a Golden Trowel Award from the Texas Masonry Council. These awards reflect the dedication and excellence of
all who contributed to Old 7’s preservation.”
MISSION AND BACKGROUND
The Houston Fire Museum engages, educates, and enlightens the community on the importance of fire and life safety and preserves the history and heritage of Houston’s diverse fire services. The Museum housed in Old Fire Station 7 opened in 1899 and stayed in operation until 1969 when a new Fire Station Number 7 was built on Elgin Street. In 1982, it became the home of the Houston Fire Museum owned by the City of Houston. In 1986, it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places and was purchased by the nonprofit organization in 2015. The Museum offers comprehensive exhibits and programming that preserves the unique history of Houston’s fire service, while celebrating those who have faithfully served in the Houston Fire Department and educating the community about fire and life safety.
Contacts:
HFD Newsroom
832-394-6709
[email protected]
Kate Ryther
Houston Fire Museum
Executive Director
713-524-2526
[email protected]