FORGED BY FIRE: THE HEROISM, HONOR, AND HISTORY OF FIREFIGHTING EXHIBITION
RECOGNIZED WITH A
2024 INSTITUTIONAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
BY PA MUSEUMS

EXHIBITION AT THE SIGAL MUSEUM
on view through July 7, 2024

 

EASTON, PA (April 3, 2024) – Northampton County Historical and Genealogical Society (NCHGS) is delighted to announce that PA Museums has selected Sigal Museum’s Forged by Fire: the Heroism, Honor, and History of Firefighting exhibition for a 2024 Institutional Achievement Award.

Since the 1980s, PA Museums has invited nominations from its membership and chosen to recognize institutions, projects, and individuals of particular merit. “PA Museums’ annual awards are meant to inspire the museum field and visitors,” said Rusty Baker, Executive Director of PA Museums. “Pennsylvania’s museums and historical organizations have so much to offer, and we are proud to recognize the great work being done throughout the Commonwealth.”

Tim Betz, NCHGS Curator of Exhibitions, shares that “Forged by Fire is an exhibit that could not have happened without the help of the community of local firefighters, our dedicated volunteers, and interns. We’re honored to receive this award and especially proud that this exhibit tells the stories of people, past and present, who keep our communities safe.”

The exhibition traces the roots of local fire prevention back to William Penn and the Great Fire of London in 1666, highlighting Colonial Era town planning, Moravian technological innovations for moving water, and the formation of volunteer firefighting companies. The 19th century brought the advent of Gamewell Fire Alarm call boxes and Victorian parade culture with colorful banners, uniforms, and commemorative objects. Today, firefighting has evolved with modern protective gear and tactics, including the use of drones and thermal imaging that allows firefighters to see through smoke.

“Forged by Fire shares the story of firefighting in Northampton County in a very thoughtful and thorough way,” notes NCHGS Executive Director Megan van Ravenswaay. “It carefully presents the wide-ranging historical topic of firefighting while being extremely sensitive to the difficult chapters of the story, including 9/11. It is a testament to the hard work of our curatorial staff and volunteers, and to our generous sponsors who helped make this exhibition come to life in the most impressive and fantastic way.”

Visitors have the chance to explore this rich history as well as personal stories and objects. Guests will see Easton’s first pumper truck (1797), learn about the importance of making wood pipes in the 1740s, and use a drill to make one. They can view firefighting tools from history, and visit an interactive display to try on real firefighter gear. They’ll find out what it’s like to be a firefighter today, and learn about the brave men and women who have served over generations.

Forged by Fire is open to the public through July 7, 2024.

Sigal Museum hours:
Thursday-Saturday: 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Sunday: 12:00-4:00 p.m.
www.sigalmuseum.org
610-253-1222

This exhibition is generously sponsored by:

County of Northampton

Ken & Lois Wildrick

Brown-Daub Charitable Foundation

Kressler, Wolff & Miller

Finegan Funeral Home

 

 

Information provided to TVL by:
Northampton County Historical & Genealogical Society