Hazelwood, Missouri - First Due Fire Museum

Located in what is undoubtedly the most acid-inspired, Disneyesque mall concept (aka St. Louis Mills, which is worth a visit in its own right), the First Due Fire Museum is a tiny non-profit museum hidden amongst the usual mall fare. Here you can witness the history of firefighting as told through fashion mannequins and collectible figurines.

Self-guide tour sheets are provided. The museum's filled with a lot of cool old firefighting paraphenalia and one can learn a lot about what firefighters throughout the years have had to endure while saving our unappreciative asses. Kids will love dressing up in genuine firefighting gear while manipulating loud sirens and bright lights, much to the chagrin of any adult within fifteen feet. As expected, there are "exhibits" (everything is really too small to be considered a separate exhibit) on fire safety and the 9/11 tragedy.

After picking up some safety tips and paying due respects, fire buffs can admire the plethora of firehouse patches and t-shirts. There's no gift store, but plenty of opportunities exist to donate cash for a firefighting-related sticker, pin, or magnet. [missy b., 08/08/2005]