Our Mission

Build a museum to preserve the rich history of the Blue Island Fire Department for future generations.

The City of Blue Island, the Blue Island Historical Society, and the Blue Island Fire Fighters Club are joining together to raise funds to build a museum that aims to preserve and maintain the city’s historic fire truck, “Old Bess”, a 1925 Seagrave pumper, as well as other apparatus, equipment, and artifacts pertaining to the history of the Blue Island Fire Department.

The museum, which will be built on Vermont Street directly across from Fire Station 1, will bring Blue Island’s Fire Department’s history to life for its visitors while also providing education about fire safety, firefighters, firefighting, and emergency services. In addition, museum staff will be available to conduct continuing fire prevention, fire safety, and life safety education programs in the community.

It’s time to build “Old Bess” a proper, permanent residence and showcase Blue Island’s Fire Department’s rich history.

Please join the City of Blue Island, the Blue Island Historical Society, and the Blue Island Fire Fighters Club as they raise funds to build the museum.

Your financial support of this project will have a direct impact on preserving history. All money raised will help build and furnish the museum and help maintain it once it is open to the public.