Exhibits

Forged by Fire: The Heroism, Honor, and History of Firefighting

September 21, 2023 – July 7, 2024

Forged by Fire: the Heroism, Honor, and History of Firefighting explores the history of firefighting in Northampton County. It is a story of heroism, honor, community, and technology.

From early Colonial era town planning, technological innovations for moving water, the bucket brigade, the horse-drawn steamer engine, and the formation of volunteer fire fighting companies, to the modern equipment and tactics of today, the communities of Northampton County worked to ensure that their towns and the people in them were safe.

Visit this exhibition to enjoy Easton’s first pumper truck (1797) as well as other amazing firefighting tools throughout history. Learn about the importance of making wood pipes in the 1740s and use a drill to make one! Families will have a chance to try on turn-out gear and experience what it takes to be a fire fighter. Everyone will love learning about Easton’s hero fire dog, Frank!

This exhibition will pay tribute to the brave firefighters who have served and continue to serve in the Northampton County’s fire companies, then and now.

This exhibition is supported by our friends at:

Fire Commissioner Sponsor:
County of Northampton

Deputy Chief Sponsor:
Ken & Lois Wildrick

District Chief Sponsor:
Brown-Daub Foundation

Captain Sponsor:
Kressler, Wolff & Miller, Inc.

Finegan Funeral Home

 

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Exhibits

Destination: Northampton County

What is Community? Who is Northampton County?

We proudly partnered with Northampton County residents to present unheard stories, photographs, and family heirlooms from the past 75 years. The result is a family-friendly, interactive exhibition that celebrates inclusivity, diversity, and community by sharing the stories of those who settled here long ago as well as today.

Imagine coming to America to create a new life. Why would someone leave home? What would you bring on your journey? Where would you go? Visit the reimagined Philadelphia dockside and “emigrant depot” where Northampton County immigrants once arrived. Explore suitcases and trunks brimming with items travelers brought on their journey. Then, “time-travel” into the 20th century to explore how families maintained their traditions while making a home in a new place.

Immerse yourself in the rich cultures of Northampton County.

Explore our community’s stories. Share your own.

View some of the photographs, objects, and primary sources from the exhibition in the Lehigh Valley Engaged Humanities Consortium Digital Archives.

Destination: Northampton County is the recipient of a 2020 Award of Excellence from the American Association for State and Local History (AASLH). The AASLH Leadership in History Awards, now in its 75th year, is the most prestigious recognition for achievement in the preservation and interpretation of state and local history.

This exhibition is sponsored in part by the Lehigh Valley Engaged Humanities Consortium, with generous support provided by a grant to Lafayette College from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, the County of Northampton, the Brown-Daub Foundation, Dr. Kenneth and Lois Wildrick, Fulton Bank, Merchants Bank, Stephen R. Jensen and Dr. Alison Byerly, Colleen and John Lavdar, Marshall and Kay Wolff, Antonia Grifo and Ronald Shipman, and Rod and Karen Oren.

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Additional Permanent Exhibits and Gallery Spaces

  • The First Pumper Truck of Easton
  • Timeline and Early Easton Artifacts in the Sigal Museum Auditorium
  • Lenape
  • Formation of the County and Treaty
  • First Settlements
  • Agriculture
  • Conflict/Wartime
  • Industry
  • Decorative Arts Gallery
  • Old-Time Children’s Toys
  • Regional Antique Photographs
  • Music and Martin Guitar Display – Learn more about Nazareth’s C.F. Martin Guitar Co. and Museum