Constructed in 1885 to house Seaside No. 1, the Manchester-by-the-Sea’s first horsedrawn fire engine, this handsome building on Central Street later became headquarters for the Manchester Police Department. The Police vacated Seaside No. 1 in 1970 and the Historical Society stepped forward to preserve the building. It now serves as a museum and home for the town’s two antique engines, the Torrent, a hand pumper built in 1832, and Seaside No. 2, a horsedrawn steam pumper acquired in 1902. The first floor of the building also contains a collection of firefighting equipment as well as memorabilia about both the fire and police departments.
Address
14 Church Street Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA 1944
Driving Directions
From 128 North: Take School Street Exit. Right at end of off ramp onto School Street. When School Street ends, turn left onto Union Street. (If you turn right, you are on Central Street.) Museum is on the left, 10 Union Street. From 128 South: Take School Street Exit. Left at end of off ramp onto School Street. When School Street ends, turn left onto Union Street. (If you turn right, you are on Central Street.) Museum is on the left, 10 Union Street. Parking available on the streets surrounding the museum. Visitor parking can be found off Central Street behind Town Hall, the large white building on the green.
Notes & Advisories
Categories
- Historic Resources
- Museums