The Bristol Volunteer Fire Dept. wants everyone to know that their new Artifacts and Historical Memorabilia Museum is worth your time and attention.

During a recent visit to the upstairs museum, located in Fire Department Headquarters on Annawamscutt Drive, the room was filled with everything from old newspaper clippings and vintage photos, to time-worn jackets and other essentials worn by dedicated firefighters of the past.

“It’s really quite interesting what we’ve assembled up here,” said Fire Chief Michael A. DeMello. “And, hopefully, the townspeople will respond by giving us more important fire department material that we can put on display here.”

The chief said the museum is open by appointment during regular business hours during the week from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.  To make an appointment, call the office at 253-6192.

Among some of the items that have already been collected is memorabilia from the old King Philp Fire Co., which dates back to the 1800s. There is also plenty of other historical documentation of tragic fires of the past, as well as other noteworthy department events.

Chief DeMello said the museum project began about a year ago and is slowly developing into something the entire Bristol community can be proud of.

“We’re also selling special T-shirts to support the privately-funded artifacts museum,” he noted. “They are now available by visiting to the office here at headquarters. They are $20 each for both men and women. They will also be available at the Firemen’s Muster on July 21 at Independence Park.”

Town Administrator Steven Contente also chimed in about how much this museum will mean to the general public.

“I’m so pleased to see that the history of the Bristol Fire Department is being preserved,” he said. “The artifacts from each company are evidence of the members’ commitment to the preservation of life and property and the social betterment of the town through many years and generations. I hope that a display is a tribute to past members and promotes the honor of serving in the department.”