Throwback FDNY
New York City Fire Museum
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The New York City Fire Museum's Throwback FDNY podcast is here to help present the extraordinary history and unique heritage of the fire department in the five boroughs. Each episode, we’ll turn a spotlight on three specific years and share a story from each that we hope brings the Fire Department’s past to life, a must for FDNY history buffs of all ages! This initiative is brought to you with help from the FDNY and the FDNY Foundation.
Available episodes
Newest first
Oldest first
Feb 3, 2021
Throwback FDNY to The First Known Black Woman Firefighter in 1818, Trailblazing African-Americans Make Inroads into the Fire Service in 1898, and Robert O. Lowery's Historic 1966 Appointment to Fire Commissioner
In this episode of Throwback FDNY… The First Known Black Woman Firefighter Molly Williams Answers the Call in 1818, Trailblazing African-Americans Make Inroads into the Fire Service Starting in 1898, and Robert O. Lowery’s Historic Appointment to Fire Commissioner in 1966.
Jan 28, 2021
Throwback FDNY to the 1870 Appointment of Thomas “Never Loose a Man” Nevins to Brooklyn’s Chief of Department, the 1916 Bombing of Black Tom Island, and the 1960 Park Slope and Staten Island Plane Crashes
In this episode of Throwback FDNY… The 1870 Appointment of Thomas “Never Loose a Man” Nevins to Brooklyn’s Chief of Department, the 1916 Bombing of Black Tom Island by Saboteurs, and the 1960 Park Slope, and Staten Island, Plane Crashes
Dec 28, 2020
Throwback FDNY to the 1876 Brooklyn Theatre Fire, the Tenure of Chief of Department John Kenlon Beginning in 1911 and the 1957 Start of the Radiological Unit
In this episode of Throwback FDNY… the devastating Brooklyn Theatre Fire of 1876, the tenure of Chief of Department John Kenlon begins in 1911 and 1957 formation of the Radiological Unit.
Nov 30, 2020
Throwback FDNY to the Military-Style Re-structuring of 1867 under General Alexander Shaler, the 1940 Origin of the Training Publication, WNYF, and the 1949 Holland Tunnel Fire
In this episode of Throwback FDNY… A military structure takes root in 1867 under General Alexander Shaler, the 1940 origin of the training publication, WNYF, and the deadly 1949 Holland Tunnel Fire.
Oct 28, 2020
Throwback FDNY to the Bureau of Training’s 1883 Origin as the School of Instruction, the Short-Lived Chief of Staff and Operations Post Introduced in 1946, and recalling the 1966 23rd Street Fire
In this episode of Throwback FDNY… the Bureau of Training’s 1883 Origin as the School of Instruction, the Short-Lived Chief of Staff and Operations post introduced in 1946 and recalling the 1966 23rd Street Fire.
Sep 30, 2020
Throwback FDNY to the First Chief of Department in 1865, Operations at the Grace Land Pier Fire of 1947, and the 1965 rollout of the Extraordinary Superpumper System.
In this episode of Throwback FDNY… the First Chief of Department is sworn into office in 1865, operations at the massive Grace Land Pier Fire of 1947 and the 1965 rollout of the extraordinary, extra large and extra expensive Superpumper System.
Aug 19, 2020
Throwback FDNY to the Department’s First Motorized Vehicle in 1901, Fire Protection at the 1939 World’s Fair, and how a Lower Manhattan Blaze in 1970 Strengthened Fire Codes
In this episode of Throwback FDNY hosted by the New York City Fire Museum's Executive Director Gary Urbanowicz… The Department’s first motorized vehicle hits the streets in 1901, fire protection at the 1939 World’s Fair and how a Lower Manhattan blaze in 1970 helped strengthen high-rise fire codes.
Jul 27, 2020
Throwback FDNY to the 1891 Fireboat New Yorker Launch, Firefighter Edward Thompson’s 1962 Appointment to Fire Commissioner, and 1980’s First Foray into Computerization
In this episode of Throwback FDNY hosted by the New York City Fire Museum's Executive Director Gary Urbanowicz… The 1891 launch of the Fireboat New Yorker, Firefighter Edward Thompson’s 1962 appointment to Fire Commissioner and the Department’s first foray into computerization in 1980.
Jun 25, 2020
Throwback FDNY to New Amsterdam’s 1648 Bucket Ordinance, Chief John Kenlon’s Foresight after the Equitable Building Fire of 1912, and the Lasting Legacy of the 1994 Watts Street Fire
In this episode of Throwback FDNY hosted by the New York City Fire Museum's Executive Director Gary Urbanowicz … New Amsterdam’s 1648 Bucket Ordinance, Chief John Kenlon’s foresight after the Equitable Building fire of 1912 and the lasting legacy of the 1994 Watts Street fire.