Who among us is not taken by the sight and sound of a fire engine responding to an alarm? And who does not, even momentarily, think of the potential danger or human anguish that the firefighters will soon encounter?
The fear and fascination of fires is equaled only by the courage and persistence of fire fighters who, over the years, have worked heroically to save lives and property.
The story of that courage, and the ingenuity with which New Englanders have developed better and more effective equipment, is best understood when viewing the actual implements and machinery of the period. The Bare Cove Fire Museum of Hingham, exists to tell that story--and to make ther history of the fire fighting as real as the sound of a bell and the shine of a red engine.
The Bare Cove Fire Museum's collection now contains more than a dozen hand frawn, horse drawn and motorized pieces. These have either been or are awaiting restoration to their original condition. On permanent display are leather buckets, badges, playpipes, helmets, tools and period equipment dating from 1800. Also, numerous original documents, records and over 600 photographs are included in this collection
Mimbers of Bare Cove Fire Museum have worked many years to create a place for their extraordinary collection to be properly displayed.
In 1981 the Town of Hingham granted the Museum a 5,000 square foot concrete, brick and steel structure on approximately one acre of land in Bare Cove Park. The park was once the federally owned Hingham Ammunition Depot. The building was an abandoned shell without utilities but was structurally sound. On the ground level is the central exhibit/demonstration area, a restoration/work area, as well as restrooms. The mezzanine level will be for archive and administrative space.
The Museum site in Bare Cove Park is located just off Fort Hill Street in West Hingham. The site is convenient, accessible and provides ample parking.