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New Museum Of Firefighting History To Open In Hagerstown

HAGERSTOWN, Md. (AP) -- A new museum about the history of firefighting is preparing to open in downtown Hagerstown.

The Herald-Mail reports the First Hagerstown Hose Company Museum of Firefighting History will open its doors to the public within the next few months.

Curator Justin Mayhue says visitors will be educated primarily about Hagerstown's First Hose Company. But the city's other five fire companies will also be represented.

Some of the museum pieces include an 1823 hand pumper and an industrial hose reel from the early 1900s. The museum also has a Gamewell fire alarm system that connected to a telegraph system to alert fire stations and volunteers. Curators are still collecting memorabilia.

The new museum will start by giving tours by appointment. Mayhue says the museum hopes to eventually establish steady hours.

(Copyright 2015 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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