2024 Flyer

Historical Society and Museum
for the
California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection

Logo

MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of the Historical Society and Museum for the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection is to identify, collect, preserve, document, exhibit and interpret material evidence and information of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection for the purpose of promoting pride and loyalty in its employees, maintaining its traditions of service and preserving its history for the benefit and education of employees of the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal-Fire) and the people of the State of California.

DIGITAL COLLECTIONS

See some of the films, photos and documents we have digitized for online access:
https://cdfhistory.smugmug.com/

https://californiarevealed.org/collections/cal-fire-museum

CORPORATION

We are incorporated in the State of California having non-profit status with the Internal Revenue Service and the Franchise Tax Board. Our income is solely based on subscriber and other miscellaneous donations from our dedicated supporters.

CORPORATION OFFICERS:

  • Jan Newman, Museum Manager
  • Tom Wilson, Treasurer
  • Stephanie Regis, Secretary

DIRECTORS:

  • Don Brooks
  • Frank Clark
  • Lee Delap
  • Jarrel B. Glover
  • Kim Pennington
  • Ray Snodgrass
  • Craig Williams
Photo by Hawk Denno

We are an all-volunteer organization and 100% of your donations are used in support of museum operations and upkeep. In recent years, we have had to drastically cut back our operating hours as our founding staff of volunteers shrinks. If you'd like to help with our museum operations by offering your time, skills and/or knowledge, we are always interested in recruiting new members for our team. Contact us by phone or email to find an opportunity that suits you today!

Active CalFire employees and retired members of Cal PERS may support the museum by subscribing as monthly donors via monthly payroll deduction. Contact us via email for payroll deduction forms and instructions. We also accept donations via PayPal and Square.
https://calfirehistory.square.site

FEIN: 33-0941817

Permanent Displays

In addition to the items on display at our main offices in San Bernardino, we also maintain several off-site exhibits. Currently we have displays at:

  • Fresno-Kings Training Center,
  • Ione Academy, AEU
  • Ben Clark Training Center, RRU
  • Los Osos Training Center, SLU
  • Prevent Training Solutions, RIV

To inquire about a display or to donate an object, documents or photos contact the museum at:

[email protected]

OUR FLEET

The museum currently holds title on 7 fully restored and 16 unrestored CalFire retired engines. Our working fleet is fully licensed and insured and stored at various CalFire facilities across the State for access and use by CalFire personnel in parades and other public events.
Among these are:

  • A 1930 Ford Model A, housed in Nevada City, NEU (front cover)
  • A 1939 GMC, originally built up in the CDF Shop in the San Diego Unit, Housed at Ramona AAB
  • A 1963 Chevrolet Model 1, dedicated in memory of Floyd “Bud” Lewis, donated to the museum by the State Archives
  • A 1935 Chevrolet, donated by the Shimer family, housed at Coulterville, MMU
  • A 1948 Dodge, named for Everett Fox, housed at the El Dorado station, AEU

 

 

 

Red colored 1939 GMC COE Big Jimmy
1963 Chevrolet Model 1 BDU
PXL_20231028_225059715
2023 Christmas Everett Fox Dodge2