Have you discovered the free hidden treasure for kids and adults alike in SE Portland?

This Saturday, pack up the kids and visit the Historic Belmont Firehouse Safety Learning and Fire Museum located at 900 SE 35^th Avenue (at Belmont). Housed in an original firehouse, the museum and safety learning center offers displays and stories of the history of firefighting in Portland and fun interactive hands-on exhibits such as a 1860 house cart, the “Listen & Learn” 9-1-1 call simulator, the fire pole, and a realistic emergency response on the “Fire Engine Experience” simulator.

The goal of the museum and safety learning center is to promote fire and life safety education for every guest. The great part about the museum is that it is all free, thanks to Portland Fire & Rescue and the Jeff Morris Fire and Life Safety Foundation; donations are certainly accepted! The Firehouse is open the second Saturday of every month from 10:00am to 3:00pm for “Safety Saturday.” The next Safety Saturday will be held on May 8^th, 2010.  Please note that Safety Saturday will not be held during July and August 2010.

Contact the staff at the museum and safety learning center at (503) 823-3615 with questions or to schedule a private, more customized tour and education program. The firehouse is also available for rent to hold parties, luncheons, and other social gatherings. Before you leave, stop by the gift shop to see merchandise and fire department clothing for sale. And for kids – make sure to ask for a firefighter sticker badge!

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May 6, 2010