Proving Ground: Fighting Fires in the City of New York

From the colonial era through modern day New York City, Lower Manhattan has served as a proving ground for the development of urban firefighting in the United States of America. Participants will gather at the New York City Fire Museum and embark on a walking tour that will highlight this development as we study architecture, infrastructure, public sculpture, and historic sites that honor New York City’s rich firefighting history. In the spirit of Jane Jacobs, we will consider how the streets themselves facilitate safety. When considered in concert the tour locations tell the story of fire as an urban force that has shaped the city’s built environment and culture – a phenomenon that continues today. Historical events of interest include: The Great Fire of 1776, The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire, and The Equitable Building Fire.