“I can’t believe we’re back, it’s been a long road since last October,” Dominick DeRubbio, executive director of the New York City Fire Museum, told ABC7.
The most notable project completed during the closure was the repair of the building’s roof, which was imperative to reopen the museum.
Workers were able to complete the roof’s repairs with support from New York City Council members Christopher Marte and Joann Ariola, who worked with Council Speaker Julie Menin to secure $900,000 in funding.
“For more than 120 years, the NYC Fire Museum has preserved the history and legacy of the FDNY, and countless New Yorkers have fought hard to keep it standing,” Menin said.
“Telling the stories of the brave men and women who serve our city has always mattered to me, which is why the council proudly approved $900,000 in this year’s budget to help fund critical repairs.”
The museum is housed in the former New York City Fire Department Engine Company No. 30 firehouse, which was built in 1904.
It contains historic artifacts from the FDNY, including uniforms, tools and fire engines.
During the renovations, they ensured these artifacts on display were kept in the same places.
Along with its collection of FDNY artifacts, the museum houses the first permanent memorial for the 343 FDNY members who lost their lives during the Sept. 11 attacks.
The skylit tribute features pictures of the firefighters lost, along with displays containing items found during the Ground Zero recovery effort.
In honor of the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks, the museum opened their new Ground Zero 360 Remembrance exhibition.
The exhibition, created by artist Nicola McClean and retired New York City Police Department Inspector Paul McCormack, features historical artifacts, artwork and personal testimonies to honor those who lost their lives and the bravery of the survivors and rescue workers. “We look forward to welcoming this beloved institution back, especially as we approach the 25th anniversary of September 11,” Marte told amNY. “We must never forget the extraordinary courage and sacrifice of our first responders, and the Fire Museum ensures that their legacy lives on for future generations.”
