Welcome and thank you for visiting the PVFA Archives!

This website was created to give everyone access to the history, names and stories from one of the earliest fire departments in America. 

The Portland Veteran Firemen’s Association (PVFA) was organized on November 19th, 1891 by former members of Portland’s hand and steam fire engines, hose, ladder, and other fire companies.  Since its inception, the association began saving a vast collection of department items, documents, records, photos and other materials.

The PVFA's collection is housed in a former 1837 firehouse, the former quarters of Engine Co. 4, at 157 Spring Street.  Still City-owned, it has been the Portland Fire Museum since 1974.

This site is brought to you in partnership with the Portland Professional Firefighters IAFF Local 740.

We hope you enjoy this site, as our Portland Fire Department continues to protect our great city, and has been “Answering the bell, since 1768."