The Fire Museum of Maryland Announces a Change in Leadership
Lutherville, MD, May, 13 2025 - After almost six years leading Pride of Baltimore, Inc. (Pride II), Jeff Buchheit is starting a new position as Executive Director of the Fire Museum of Maryland in Lutherville. He started in February.
Jeff Buchheit, Museum Director, The Fire Museum of Maryland
Buchheit takes the reins from long-time Executive Director Stephen Heaver, Jr. Heaver is the founding curator of the Museum,and has been Executive Director since 2002. Once Buchheit settles in, Heaver will become Curator and Director Emeritus. Heaver will focus on improving and adding exhibits and on vehicle restoration.
Buchheit holds a master's degree in Public Administration, with a concentration in Museum Administration, from Southern Illinois University. He has extensive experience working in various museums and heritage organizations, including serving as the Executive Director of Pride of Baltimore, Inc.
Museum Director Jeff Buchheit (L) with Baltimore County Fire Chief Joseph Dixon(R)
For 54 years, the Fire Museum has been in many ways a family affair. Heaver and his father, Stephen Heaver, Sr. founded the Fire Museum in 1971.
The non-profit 501 ©(3) Fire Museum grew from a collection that has been amassed by the Heaver family, starting with Heaver, Sr’s first purchase: a 1928 American-LaFrance pumper. The Museum is one of the largest fire history museums in the nation, with over 40 pieces of apparatus, and is also home to the Baltimore City Fireboat “Mayor Thomas D’Alesandro, Jr.”
About 12,000 guests visit the Museum annually. The Museum’s guided tours are popular with school groups and seniors. Annual special events, such as Steam Day in May, and the Motor Muster in September introduce a new generation to fire service history.
About The Fire Museum of Maryland
The mission of the Fire Museum of Maryland is to educate the public about the history, technology, and innovation of the fire service through a unique collection of operating apparatus, memorabilia, and programs.
The Fire Museum of Maryland is one of the largest fire museums in America.
Located in Lutherville, just a mile from downtown Towson. The Museum is a leading institution in preserving, restoring and interpreting the history of the urban fire service in the U.S.
The Museum was founded in 1971 and houses a world-class collection of historic hand engines, horse-drawn, steam-powered and motorized vehicles. Exhibits include firefighting tools, antique toys, Great Baltimore Fire of 1904, a working Fire Alarm Office, and a Children's Discovery Room. Also features curriculum-based educational tours in science, history, and technology. Meeting rooms, party rentals, and antique vehicle rentals are available.
For more information contact:
Amy Landsman Rental & Media Relations Director
The Fire Museum of Maryland
[email protected]
(410) 321-7500 X103
