Howard County Executive Calvin Ball officially reopened the Firehouse Museum in Ellicott City today. The historic site features updated exhibits, photography, and artifacts, including firehouse bells. Pictures from the event can be found on Howard County Government’s Flickr website.
After more than two years of renovations that strengthened and restores this historic building, we are officially reopening the Firehouse Museum. As you walk through the halls, you will notice many improvements; from new prints depicting Ellicott City and enhanced displays, to restored bells, a refurbished fire pump, and scroll banners that help tell the story of this site while guiding visitors through the space. Places like this museum matter because they preserve artifacts and they preserve stories, including stories of courage, stories of community and stories of people who stepped forward to protect their neighbors.
The Firehouse Museum, located at 3829 Church Road, was built in May 1889 and served as Ellicott City’s first firehouse. At that time, the newly formed Volunteer Fire Company of Ellicott City No. 1 (established July 10, 1888) relied on horse‑drawn pumpers and hose reel carts. Although firefighting remained difficult, the community now had structure, organization, and a dedicated place for equipment.
This location continued to serve as the headquarters for the Volunteer Fire Company until November 1923. The building then served primarily as a meeting space.
This museum originally opened in 1991. It is owned by Howard County and is managed by their Department of Recreation and Parks. Starting today, visitors can enjoy the new prints depicting Ellicott City, newly hung images designed to better protect this structure’s walls, scroll banners that enhance the visitor experience and improve foot traffic, restored and polished bells, and refurbished fire pump and artifacts.
Renovations also included fixing the water damage from the rising damp along the Church Street wall; re-staining and buffing the floors; repairing the cupola and roof; repainting the building; updating restroom fixtures; and replacing electrical pathways throughout the walls and ceiling.
Here’s what others had to say:
- Delegate Courtney Watson, Maryland House of Delegates, District 9B – “The Firehouse Museum is a testament to our past, reminding us that this town’s residents have always been and continue to be resilient. The town stands today because of the enduring spirit that exists through the generations of Ellicott City residents - past, present, and future.”
- Delegate Chao Wu, PhD, Maryland House of Delegates, District 9A - "The Firehouse Museum is a shared memory for many in Howard County. We value the progress and effort everyone has made to make our county the best place to live."
- Deputy Chief Gordon Wallace, Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services – “There are few places where the history of the fire service is told with such meaning at the local level. The Ellicott City Firehouse Museum not only preserves our history but reminds us of our responsibility to keep evolving to meet the needs of our community and protect the firefighters who serve Howard County.”
- Fire Chief Robin Zevotek, Ellicott City Volunteer Fire Department – “"This building, originally constructed by volunteers to protect their neighbors, stands as a lasting symbol of the dedication the Ellicott City Volunteer Fire Department has provided—and continues to provide—to our community. We are deeply grateful for Howard County’s investment in preserving this piece of our history. We look forward to a continued partnership with the County and HCDFRS as we continue to provide fire and emergency services into the future.”
- Keenan Holmes, Manager, Howard County Recreation & Parks Historic Section – “In 2026, we want to refresh how museums have traditionally been done, the photos used - the stories told - and move towards enlivened images, narratives, and local stories. Immersive technology, audio, tactile/touch interpretations, and rotating exhibits are the direction modern museums are headed. We are striving towards that goal with mid-season, temporary exhibit rotations.”
Howard County Recreation and Parks manage several historic properties near the museum. The Cabin and the Historic Colored School, Restored open on Saturday, May 11 for the season. (They will be open from 12pm-4pm on Saturdays and Sundays). The Patapsco Female Institute Historic Park is undergoing some renovations and will open later this spring. And the Baltimore and Ohio Ellicott City Station Museum is open year-round.
Visitors may visit the Firehouse Museum from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturdays and Sunday through mid-November. For more information on county-owned historic sites, please visit https://www.howardcountymd.gov/facilities.