The Firemen's Association of the State of New York runs this unexpectedly engaging museum just north of downtown. The collection spans three centuries of firefighting equipment and history, from hand-drawn leather bucket brigades to steam-powered pumpers to modern apparatus. The hand-painted parade wagons from the 19th century are particularly striking — early fire companies competed fiercely on civic pageantry, and these vehicles show it. Good for families and anyone with an interest in American municipal history. Open year-round; admission charged.
Address: 117 Harry Howard Ave, Hudson, NY 12534.