New Lougheed House exhibit explores Calgary's history of firefighting

More than 70 artifacts that chronicle Calgary's firefighting tradition from the early 1800s until today are up on display at the Lougheed House.

The new Pomp and Circumstance: Celebrations of the Fire Department Kind highlightsbondsbetween thefire brigade and the community since 1885.

"I think they're going to be blown away by the pieces we have on display," saidRebecca Melenka, executive director of theFirefighters Museum of Calgary.

"They're going to show up expecting one thing, and we're going to give them another."

Whether for big parades, visiting royalty orfuneral processions, the fire brigadeadded colourand pageantryto all that was important in Calgary.

Besides the firefighter's helmet made in 1806, visitors at the exhibit will also see colourful tartans, a working gramophone,Cappy Smart's speaking trumpet andthe bicycle presented toformer fire chiefWayneMorris upon his retirement.

"I think about what life was like back then and the firefighter that wore that helmet," said Carol Henke, public information officer with the Calgary Fire Department.

"If you could just transport yourself back in time to witness what happened, it would be really interesting. We can't do that, but coming to the exhibit, and reading the stories, and looking at all the artifacts in a small way can take you back to that time."

The exhibit is open until Jan. 29and provides a look ahead to the new Firefighters Museum of Calgary space that will open in the summer of 2017.