(1/30) In response to last month’s article on the possibility of losing the National Fire Heritage Center (NFHC), now located in Emmitsburg, NFHC President, Bill Killen responded in fervor expressing that, "The NFHC has no plans to leave Emmitsburg in the foreseeable future." In December, Sam Goldwater, Trustee for the NFHC, told the Cecil Whig that the NFHC may be relocating to Elkton, MD. This move, according to Goldwater, could be "the best option for the Fire Heritage Center in the future." According to Killen, this simply is not true.

The NFHC Executive Board was informed of the availability of the soon to be surplus Armory in Elkton, MD, and agreed with the recommendation of the Chairman of the Board of Trustees to explore the matter further. However, Killen expressed that he has been in contact with Emmitsburg’s Mayor, Don Briggs, in regard to this matter, and he hopes to work together to find a space suitable within Emmitsburg.

Killen did note that NFHC’s Board of Directors recognizes that there is a limited availability of space in Emmitsburg, but will explore every opportunity to provide a suitable facility for the future when the archives and exhibits outgrow present facilities. The NFHC’s Archivist reported that the Center could outgrow their current space, at 300 South Seton Avenue, in two to three years, which makes it a necessity to make plans for the future of the collection now.

Moving forward, the NFHC does understand that they must work on viable options for the future of the NFHC. According to Killen, in an effort to strive for diversity, the NFHC has recently rebalanced the Board of Directors and increased its number of Trustees. They have solidified a legal arrangement with the Vigilant Hose Company (VHC) for the archive space in Emmitsburg and are in the process of putting together a team to develop a safe harbor initiative. The VHC’s President, Frank Davis, informed the NFHC Board of Directors via conference call on January 8 that details of the agreement to lease the second floor of the former EMS station were complete, and the agreement could be signed this month.

"Our leadership team realizes we are at a crossroads where decisions made in the immediate future will determine the viability of this project going forward. The challenges facing the NFHC involve mission, leadership, physical location, funding, staffing and outreach. In other words, all the foundational building blocks are at stake. The NFHC is, at a point where if these matters are not adequately addressed, the future of the NFHC is at risk," stated Killen in a letter sent to the Editor of this paper.

Once news of the possible move away from Emmitsburg hit, President of the Frederick County Fire & Rescue Museum and Preservation Society, Clarence Jewell, reached out to clarify that the museum definitely has no plans to move anytime soon. Jewell noted that the Fire and Rescue Museum, although housed in the same building as the NFHC, is not affected by the recent developments with the NFHC.

After the Frederick County Fire & Rescue Museum formally contracted with the county government for the building located at South Seton Avenue, a written agreement was developed for a sub-lease of 1,500 square feet for the NFHC. From the very beginning, the location within the museum was to "plant the flag" of NFHC and provide the organization a temporary facility with eyes to the future for a large formal archive.

The fire museum has been in existence at the South Seton Avenue location for almost nine years. "The museum has members from throughout Frederick County and has been extremely fortunate to have efforts of Emmitsburg area residents Wayne Powell, his wife Brenda and Frank Schmersal, whom have provided many volunteer hours for both organizations. These individuals have gone the extra mile to tackle many of the maintenance and operational issues of the facility. The Town of Emmitsburg, the VHC and former Emmitsburg Ambulance Co. have been strong advocates providing in-kind services and support of the museum. Local resident John Hollinger has graciously provided his antique Ford fire engine formally owned by the VHC for display. Mayor Don Briggs and Former Mayor Jim Hoover along with the town commissioners serving with both have been some of our most adamant supporters," stated Jewell in a press release.

The Frederick County Fire & Rescue Museum is considered a viable part of the Emmitsburg community and will be reopening for the season in April. The museum is currently working to raise funds to display the artwork by William Cochran of the glass etching formerly at the old Independent Hose Co. No. 1 firehouse in downtown Frederick. The goal is to build a lighted display that will truly serve as a fire service welcome to the Town of Emmitsburg. This intricate piece of art was skillfully removed from the Frederick building and carefully transported to the fire museum by the generosity of Emmitsburg Glass.

In 2019, the Frederick County Fire & Rescue Museum is refocusing on marketing, funding and membership to enhance the viability of the museum to continue operation in Emmitsburg for many years to come.