The African American Firefighter Museum is dedicated to collecting, conserving, and sharing the heritage of African-American firefighters through collaboration and education.
DILLIGENCE
Uncovering and revealing truths.
VALOR
Interpreting the fire service experience in meaningful ways.
APPRECIATION
Celebrating the courage, ingenuity, and creativity of African-American Firefighters
FOUNDATION
The museum officially opened its doors on December 13, 1997.
A Message from the AAFFM President
Here at the museum we want to empower, foster, and create innovative ways to have more volunteers and families enjoy what the museum has to offer. The museum would love for you to get involved. Feel free to reach out and contact the museum. We’d love to hear from you!
-Michelle Banks
MUSEUMS FOR ALL!
Through Museums for All, those receiving food assistance (SNAP benefits) can gain free or reduced admission to more than 1,000 museums throughout the United States simply by presenting their EBT card and a photo ID.
BLUE STAR MUSEUMS
Blue Star Museums is a partnership between the National Endowment for the Arts and Blue Star Families, in collaboration with the Department of Defense and museums across America, offering free admission to the nation’s active-duty military personnel and their families, including National Guard and Reserve.
NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE HUMANITIES
The National Endowment for the Humanities is dedicated to supporting research, education, preservation, and public programs in the humanities. It serves and strengthens our republic by promoting excellence in the humanities and conveying the lessons of history to all Americans.
CALIFORNIA HUMANITIES
The objective of California Humanities is to connect Californians to ideas and one another in order to understand our shared heritage and diverse cultures, inspire civic participation, and shape our future.
ANNENBERG FOUNDATION
The Annenberg Foundation is a family foundation that provides funding and support to nonprofit organizations in the United States and globally.
LOS ANGELES CITY STENTORIANS
The Stentorians Organization was founded in 1954 by a collective effort of African-American firefighters at station 30 and 14 on Central Ave. With Fireman Jerva Harris as the first President followed by Captain Bob Craig. Fireman Gerald George came up with the name Stentorians for the appropriateness speaking out against the fire department’s segregation policy. Their purpose was to combat the racism and blatant bigotry that prevented African-Americans from joining and advancing in the fire service. The Stentorians fought to make the fire service a profession of equality and opportunity for all. To better serve the diverse needs of our members, the Stentorians organization restructured in 1990, forming two chapters; The Stentorians of Los Angeles County and The Stentorians of Los Angeles City.
Today, the entire Stentorians membership consists of more than 500 AFRICAN-AMERICAN men and women Fire Personnel. The Stentorians also belong to the International Association of Black Professional Firefighters, IABPFF, a national organization promoting equality for the fire service nationwide. The Stentorians organization maintains Old Station 46, one of the FIRST fire stations integrated by the Los Angeles City Fire Department, as its office and training facility. This facility is now named in honor of Arnett Hartsfield and Van Davis. Both are former firefighters of the City and County Fire Departments, respectfully.
LOS ANGELES COUNTY STENTORIANS
The Los Angeles City Stentorians have played an important role in advocating for diversity, equity, and inclusion within the LAFD and the fire service as a whole. The group has also been involved in community outreach and education initiatives, such as providing fire safety and prevention information to local schools and organizations. Overall, the Los Angeles City Stentorians have been a significant presence within the Los Angeles fire service and continue to serve as advocates for underrepresented communities within the profession.
Museum Visitors
Reviews and Insights
Recent News
from the Media Team
Here’s where we keep you updated about all the happening situations at the museum. We’re extremely excited to give a platform for many to share stories, trials, tribulations
LA Sentinel: African American Firefighter Museum Traces History From Segregation to Integration
The LA Sentinel spent a Sunday afternoon touring the AAFFM. Museum volunteers were gracious...
LA Fox 11: In Depth
In 2021, LA Fox 11 news station took a tour of the AAFFM to learn more about the historical contributions made by the firefighters of Station 30.
How to find us:
1401 S. Central Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90021
Hours:
The Museum is open on Sundays from 1:00pm – 4:00pm
Become an integral part here at the museum.
Find yourself on a team preserving history.