Igniting Integration!
The Battle for Black Men to Serve in the BCFD
September 14-November 24, 2024
This exhibition shares the little-known history of African American firefighters in Baltimore and tells the story of the challenges they faced trying to serve communities in the city. True advocacy to integrate started in 1920, but a group of 15 volunteer firefighters didn’t break their department’s color barrier until 1942. Among these 15 pioneers was Arthur “Smokestack” Hardy, world-renowned as the Father of African American firefighter history.
Stories will include how The Baltimore Urban League (BUL), the Baltimore Chapter of The NAACP, Baltimore’s faith-based community, and other civic organizations fought to have the first group of firefighters hired in order to integrate the Baltimore City Fire Department.
The African American Fire Fighters Historical Society (AAFFHS) was founded January 23, 2009, to celebrate 55 years since the first Black firefighters were hired in Baltimore City. We discovered many unique stories from various jurisdictions across the nation, calling us to fill the void of this unknown history. Our mission is to collect, preserve and disseminate historical data, and information relating to the contributions by firefighters of color, and others who have made a contribution to such history; to be used for the purpose of education, fire prevention and mentoring. AAFFHS is a 501C (3) Charitable Organization and is the only entity in the world that highlights African American fire service history on a regular basis.
Details
Date: September 14-November 24, 2024
When: Open during regular hours, plus special events
Location: The Peale, 225 Holliday Street, Baltimore
Donations
Cost: Free | Donations Welcome
Programs at The Peale are often free. Please help us keep programs free for all.
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