In a tribute to brave firefighters past and present, “Forged by Fire: the Heroism, Honor, and History of Firefighting,” continues through July 7, Chrin Gallery, Sigal Museum, Easton.

Sigal’s “Forged by Fire” has received a 2024 Institutional Achievement Award from PA Museums, a Pennsylvania museum association.

“This exhibition is more than hoses or fire trucks,” says Northampton County Historical and Genealogical Society Curator of Exhibitions (NCHGS) Tim Betz.

“It’s about firefighters from the 18th century to the present, and the ways that communities worked to ensure that their towns and people were protected from fire,” Betz says.

Betz tells the story of an Easton Humane Fire Company mascot named “Frank.” The “fluffy white dog” was adopted in 1871. The canny canine was trained to spot leaks in hoses and to urinate on small fires. He also tolerated having his mustache and tail dyed pink to participate in parades.

“The thing I love about Frank, though, other than the obvious, is how much he shines a light on the boys of the Humane [Fire Company].” says Betz.

“These weren’t people who just existed as shadowy figures in blurry photographs or as lines of script in a meeting account or a ledger. They were men who gave of themselves for their community. Heroes,” Betz says.

“Forged by Fire” traces the roots of local fire prevention back to William Penn and Colonial Era town planning based on lessons learned from the Great Fire of London in 1666. Moravian technological innovations for moving water, the bucket brigade, the horse-drawn steamer engine and the formation of volunteer firefighting companies are explored in the exhibition.

Northampton County Historical and Genealogical Society Curator of Collections Monica Bugbee says, “Many objects in this exhibition have never been on display, and we are very excited to give them a moment to shine in public view.” She notes that 50 percent of the pieces in the exhibition are on loan from Northampton County community fire companies and local collectors.

Historic artifacts on view include Easton’s 1797 pumper truck, leather buckets and hats, lanterns, extinguishers, axes, speaking trumpets, a 20th-century Gamewell Fire Alarm call-box and other communication equipment.

Among the relics from the Lehigh Valley’s colonial past are a wood water pipe and various hand drills for boring through logs to create pipes.

An original 1898 Dewey Fire Company banner is one gem among Victorian parade cultural items that include flags, uniforms, belts and commemorative objects.

Found in storage by Hellertown’s Dewey Fire Company Past President Robert Kudera, the historic banner features a portrait of Spanish-American War hero Admiral George Dewey.

It cost approximately $9,599 to restore and was donated to the museum.

Funding was provided by the Fire Company, Dewey EMS, Kudera and Hellertown Mayor David J. Heintzelman and family.

Modern firefighting equipment is also on view, including an interactive display where the public can try on firefighter gear.

“We are so pleased to create an exhibition [about firefighters] that pays tribute to their bravery and dedication,” says Northampton County Historical and Genealogical Society Executive Director Megan van Ravenswaay.

The exhibition is supported by the County of Northampton County, Ken and Lois Wildrick, Brown-Daub Charitable Foundation Kressler, Wolf & Miller, Inc. and Finegan Funeral Home.

The Sigal Museum is one of four museums and historic sites operated by Northampton County Historical and Genealogical Society, including Bachmann Publick House, Jacob Nicholas House and the Mixsell Illick House.

“Forged by Fire: the Heroism, Honor, and History of Firefighting” through July 7, Chrin Gallery, Northampton County Historical & Genealogical Society, Sigal Museum, 342 Northampton St., Easton. Gallery hours: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Thursday - Saturday; noon - 4 p.m. Sunday. Closed Monday, Tuesday. 610-253-1222, https://sigalmuseum.org/

“Gallery View” is a column about artists, exhibitions and galleries. To request coverage, email: Paul Willistein, Focus editor, pwillistein@tnonline.com