The African American Firefighter Museum in Los Angeles preserves the heritage of African American firefighters in a historic fire station. At Old Fire Station 30, the museum connects the story of the city’s fire service with the Central Avenue community it once served.
- Location: 1401 South Central Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90021
- Historic setting: Old Fire Station 30, built in 1913
- Before visiting: confirm current visitor arrangements with the museum
The museum’s history and focus
The African American Firefighter Museum collects, conserves, and shares the heritage of African American firefighters. Its home, Old Fire Station 30, was built in 1913 to serve the Central Avenue community and later became one of two segregated fire stations in Los Angeles between 1924 and 1955.
The museum opened on December 13, 1997. Its story also includes Sam Haskins, hired in 1892 as the first Los Angeles fireman of African descent. He was killed while responding to a fire in 1895.
Old Fire Station 30 is Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument No. 289 and received the Los Angeles Conservancy’s 1999 Preservation Award. The Los Angeles Fire Department describes the museum’s mission as collecting, conserving, and sharing the heritage of African American firefighters.
Exhibits include a 1940 Pirsch ladder truck, an 1890 hose wagon, uniforms, badges, helmets, photographs, and displays about African American women firefighters. The gallery is on the second floor.
For a broader look at the region’s Black history, the California African American Museum visit in Exposition Park offers another museum stop.
What to check before your visit
Confirm that the museum can receive visitors before making plans, since visitor arrangements can change. Check the official site before you go.
Opening hours
- Sunday: 1 PM–4 PM
- Monday to Saturday: closed
Last checked November 2026. Hours can change on holidays and for special events.
The museum’s address is 1401 South Central Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90021. Its programming has included tours, expert-led talks, workshops, community events, and school-based programs, but contact the museum to confirm what is operating and whether reservations are needed.
The museum provides +1 (213) 744-1730 and aaffmuseumla@gmail.com as contact details. If you are planning a group visit, ask directly about availability and arrangements before setting out.
How do you get to the museum?
The African American Firefighter Museum is about a 5-minute drive from a motel in South Central Los Angeles. Its address is 1401 South Central Avenue, so use that location when planning your route.
Nearby cultural stops
Exposition Park brings several cultural destinations together. The California African American Museum is at 600 State Drive, near the California Science Center and the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County. The museum says admission, exhibitions, programs, and events are free and open to the public; check its official information before planning around current offerings.
Exposition Park is served by Metro’s Expo Park/USC station. The California African American Museum gives parking prices of $20 during the day and $24 after 5 pm; confirm current details before you go.
If you are combining the museum with other South Central stops, the area also includes Mary McLeod Bethune Park, a public space covered in this guide.
FAQs
Where is the African American Firefighter Museum?
It is at Old Fire Station 30, 1401 South Central Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90021.
What is the museum’s focus?
Its mission is to collect, conserve, and share the heritage of African American firefighters.
What is notable about Old Fire Station 30?
Built in 1913, it served the Central Avenue community and was one of two segregated Los Angeles fire stations from 1924 to 1955.
Should you confirm arrangements before visiting?
Yes. Contact the museum to check visitor access, programming, and reservation requirements before you go.