Historic Firefighting Marvel Marks 300 Years
Writer Joseph J. Airdo // Photography Courtesy of the Hall of Flame Museum
In an era when smartphones become obsolete within months, a wooden fire pump at Phoenix’s Hall of Flame Museum offers a humbling perspective on longevity. Built in 1725 — seven years before George Washington’s birth — the Newsham Hand Pumper stands as a testament to enduring craftsmanship and the timeless mission of firefighting.
“This is typically the first exhibit our visitors encounter, and it’s where we kick off most of our guided tours,” says Mark Moorhead, curator of education at the Hall of Flame Museum. “Given that it’s her 300th birthday this year, we’re celebrating every day. We’ve even adorned her with a festive fire helmet and birthday balloon to mark the occasion.”
The Fifth Size Newsham pumper, crafted in London by Richard Newsham’s firm, represents the cutting edge of 18th-century firefighting technology. Requiring a crew of 20 to operate its pump handles and foot treadles, the machine could deliver 60 gallons of water per minute through its copper branch pipe — an engineering marvel of its time.
“When you can actually put your hands on a piece of equipment that is 300 years old and, if given a water supply, could still pump out fires today, it is kind of shocking and somewhat humbling,” says Chuck Montgomery, the museum’s executive director.
The museum has expanded beyond its historic pieces to embrace modern firefighting technology. Moorhead points to recent additions that bridge centuries of innovation.
“We’ve significantly expanded our exhibits on firefighter breathing apparatus, including a rare Morgan Hood smoke mask from the early 1900s,” he says. “More recently, we’ve introduced interactive experiences with thermal imaging cameras, showcasing how modern technology revolutionizes firefighting tactics.”
The museum’s educational mission extends beyond equipment to potentially lifesaving information.
“We’ve recently incorporated the Underwriters Laboratories’ ‘Close Before You Doze’ message into our educational programs,” Moorhead explains. “It’s a simple action that can make a big difference – closing your door can potentially give you up to 17 extra minutes to escape if a fire breaks out.”
Looking ahead, the museum is planning innovative ways to engage visitors with its historic collection.
“We’re reaching out to the local LEGO community with an exciting project,” Moorhead says. “We’re hoping to collaborate on building a replica of our Newsham hand pumper using LEGO bricks. Once completed, this unique model would offer visitors a fun and interactive way to appreciate this historic piece of firefighting equipment.”
The museum continues to draw families with special events, including its upcoming Easter “Eggs-truck-ordinary” event, scheduled for Saturday, April 19, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
“Kids 12 and under can collect candy for their Easter baskets while exploring our fire trucks,” Moorhead says. “It’s always a hit with families.”
As the world’s largest firefighting museum celebrates this remarkable milestone, the Newsham Hand Pumper serves as a bridge between centuries of firefighting innovation. Its presence reminds visitors that while technology evolves, the core mission of firefighting — protecting lives and property — remains unchanged across three centuries and counting.
Easter ‘Eggs-truck-ordinary’ Event
April 19 // 10 a.m.–2 p.m. // Hall of Flame Museum // 6101 E. Van Buren St., Phoenix // Free with museum admission // 602-275-3473 // hallofflame.org
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