About our work

The NFHC is a non-profit organization working to preserve the written history of “fire in America.” We support individuals, fire departments, libraries, museums and others who wish to collect, catalog and preserve fire-related writings.

Learn more about our work

Featured projects and collection items

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Benjamin Franklin

Benjamin Franklin Fire Writer’s Award
photo of a library

Building fund
James Braidwood

Hall of Legends, Legacies and Leaders

Sprinkler system
a firemen's certificate, circa 1834

Documents
Letter from President Truman introducing the report on the President's 1947 Conference on Fire Prevention.

Reports

Artifacts
Cover of the book "Firebelle Lillie"

Books

Help preserve the written history of the American fire service.

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Latest news and articles

Hall of Legends, Legacies and Leaders Ceremony at FDIC International 2019

On Thursday, April 11, 2019, at Opening Ceremony Day 2 of FDIC International 2019, the National Fire Heritage Center (NFHC), which serves as a research facility for fire departments, collectors, fire service professionals, and others who need detailed specifications, base information, and general history relative to the fire service, inducted six members to its Hall of Legends, Legacies, and Leaders (HLLL). The NFHCF includes the National Fire Heritage Archives, the National Fire Museum System, and the National Fire Heritage Foundation.

A woman interviewing an older man at an oral history table.

Open-ended questions for oral history interviews

The types of questions you ask are critical to the success of your interview. This article provides tips on asking open-ended questions that will help you to establish a rapport with the interviewee.