HFC's 1926 Hale attended the Mercer Museum Antique Fire Muster on Sunday. There were many local antiques on hand including Ivyland Fire Company's 1905 Hand Cart.

The Mercer Museum current exhibit: “To Save Our Fellow Citizens:” Volunteer Firefighting, 1800-1875 will run through September 7th.

For more than 100 years, firefighting was the responsibility of every neighborhood and citizen. The city’s fire companies fervently believed that fighting fire was a community responsibility, best performed by virtuous and heroic men. Paid fireman finally replaced volunteers in 1871, signaling a change in beliefs about public service.

The Mercer Museum’s engaging exhibition will include more than 175 historical firefighting artifacts including tools, colorful parade regalia, apparel, artwork, photographs, fire engines and fire equipment, and other unique items from the Museum’s permanent collection. The all-ages exhibit will also feature hands-on activities for children.

For more information, please go to http://www.mercermuseum.org/event/exhibit-to-save-our-fellow-citizens-volunteer-firefighting-1800-1875/