The Norfolk Police and Fire-Rescue Museum
The Norfolk Police Department, established in 1797, is one of the oldest in the United States and has enjoyed
an illustrious history of service. The Norfolk Police Museum, established in 1919, is the oldest museum in
Norfolk. Its purpose is to document and preserve the history of NPD and those who have served the department.
Norfolk Fire-Rescue was established in 1871. The Norfolk Fire-Rescue Museum, a unit within NFR, was established in 2004.
The two museums are located at 401 E Freemason St. in the old Freemason Reception Center. On
display are extensive exhibits of early photographs, uniforms, badges, patches, firearms, handcuffs and
other equipment used by the police department from its inception until now, something for everyone. Also,
the Museum maintains a permanent memorial to our fallen officers. Items of interest related to the police
department and to individual police officers, present and past, are always welcome additions to the
Museum collection.
The Norfolk Police Historical Exposition (NPHE) which supports the Museum is a small, non-profit corporation
whose sole function is the financial and logistical support of the Museum. All NPHE members are
volunteers. A team of professionals, the curator and historian, conduct research for the department
and provide overall management of the Museum and its extensive collection.
While the Museum is open to the public and visitors are welcome, it also serves the
NPD family. The curator and historian, who both donate their time, frequently receive inquiries about
former officers. Fortunately, the Museum has an extensive collection including thousands of photographs
dating back to the 1880s, as well as documents and artifacts that are associated with individual
officers. As a result, an inquiry about someone’s great-grandparent can usually be answered quickly.
The two museums are open to the public, free of charge, Wednesday through Saturday, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm and on Sunday 12:00 noon to 4:00 pm. For additional information and to schedule groups, call 757-441-1526.
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