"Fighting the Dragon: Firefighting in the State of Delaware" opens September 11, 2006
at the Delaware State Visitor Center

Dover, Delaware - August 21, 2006 Delaware's brave men and women firefighters will receive much-deserved recognition in the new exhibit, "Fighting the Dragon: Firefighting in the State of Delaware" which will be on display at the Delaware Visitor Center and Galleries, 406 Federal St. in Dover, Delaware from September 11, 2006-July 31, 2007.

Planned and created by the Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs in consultation with a citizens' advisory committee, the exhibit is designed to showcase the work of ordinary Delaware citizens who perform extraordinary service as volunteer firefighters. During a tour of the gallery, visitors will have an opportunity to learn about the unique culture of volunteer firefighters and the service they provide in making Delawareans' lives and communities safer. The exhibit highlights the human element of firefighting-the nature of firefighters' work, their working conditions and equipment, and the history of the volunteer system in Delaware.

Brought to life by a variety of historical photographs, documents, and objects, as well as historical and present-day firefighting equipment, the exhibit presents a vivid portrait of firefighting in Delaware from the bucket brigades of the 17th century to the chrome-trimmed fire engines of today. The exhibit is divided into a series of chapters, each focusing on a different aspect of Delaware firefighting history, evolution, and current practices. Chapters include:

History and Culture of the Volunteer System

History of the Fire Department

Emergency Medical Services

Ladies Auxiliary

Women Firefighters

Recruitment and Retention

Turnout Gear Equipment

Everyone Has a Part in the Larger Emergency System

Did you know...

Accidental burning due to hearth fires was one of the leading causes of death for 18th century women

In 1990, Patricia D. Marvel became the first woman in Delaware to serve as a volunteer-fire-department chief when she assumed that position at the Lewes Fire Department

Firefighters are called upon to respond to almost every kind of emergency situation including medical response. Today, emergency calls for medical treatment usually exceed the number of fire alarms

75% of today's firefighters serve in volunteer departments

Volunteer firefighters receive no financial remuneration for their services

Exhibit dates: September 11, 2006-July 31, 2007
Location: Delaware Visitor Center and Galleries, 406 Federal St., Dover, Delaware 19901
Telephone: (302) 739-4266
Hours of operation: Monday-Saturday, 9:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Sunday, 1:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m.
Admission: Free and open to the public. Group tour reservations are required.

The Delaware Visitor Center and Galleries is one of eight museums administered by the Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs (HCA), an agency of the State of Delaware working in partnership with the First State Heritage Park at Dover. HCA enhances Delaware's quality of life by preserving the state's unique historical heritage, fostering community stability and economic vitality, and providing educational programs and assistance to the general public on Delaware history and heritage. In addition to its museums, HCA operates two conference centers and manages over thirty historic properties across Delaware. Funding for HCA's museums, programs, and services is provided by annual appropriations from the Delaware General Assembly, revenue from HCA's History Stores, and grants from the National Park Service, a federal agency.

Last Updated: Tuesday, 18-Dec-2007 12:38:21 EST