In Our Communities

“In Our Communities” is a section within The Way We Work(ed) that helps us to explore more broadly the impact of where we work.

Imagine even one day without teachers, postal carriers, firefighters, policemen, bus drivers, or trash collectors.

As our towns and cities grew, so too did the need for these public servants. Although often uncelebrated or unseen, they are essential to our modern lives. These workers keep our communities and conveniences running around the clock.

The first portion of “In Our Communities” focuses on firefighters and their evolving role both in the city of Troy and throughout the county. Firefighters risk fire, smoke, toxic gases, building collapse, explosions, heat exhaustion, and falling debris to save lives. Additionally, they act as medical first responders, contain forest and brush fires, and serve as community educators.

Firefighting in the city of Troy is, to some degree, a tradition when examining the long history of fires that have enveloped the city over time. The materials seen on display in this section help to capture what firefighting looked like, particularly in the latter half of the 19th century.

Fire departments evolved from primarily volunteer-based to professionally paid departments following the Civil War and leading up to the turn of the century. Fire equipment evolved as well into the 20th century, including engines, types of hoses, ladders, and firefighting procedures.

The science of firefighting has also developed and led to a range of fire retardant chemicals and fire-resistant materials from clothing to building products. Fire safety and fire prevention education has also become commonplace in schools with the goal of a better prepared community response to fire emergencies.

Swipe through to see “In Our Communities,” and the related objects within the section, on display. Keep in mind that while objects help us to better understand the past, looking at these materials within the scope of work allows us to look deeper at how our communities have evolved over time - especially when we consider the ever-changing nature of community and those who work within it.