Walk into any establishment on the Shore, and it’s likely you’re in the company of a volunteer firefighter, he or she probably not first-generation. If you’re not, it’s highly probable you have one or more who’s a neighbor, works with you, or attends your church. The prevalence and importance of volunteer firefighting, as well as the later integration of career firefighters, have inspired Ker Place’s fall exhibit, “It All Started with a Spark: The Rise and Evolution of Eastern Shore Firefighting.”
The exhibit launches next Friday evening, Sept. 27, and will run through mid-December at our museum, 69 Market St. in Onancock. The display will showcase major fires from Eastern Shore history; highlight historic artifacts as well as memorabilia; and explore the past, present, and future of firefighting on the Shore.
The opening reception will be from 6 to 8 p.m. next Friday. The general public, particularly volunteer and career firefighters along with their families and friends, are invited to this free event. Light hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar will be available.
In conjunction with the exhibit, the Historical Society will host a panel discussion from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 11. Officials from the Accomack County Sheriff’s Department; the Virginia State Police; and others will discuss how their organizations operate independently as well as in conjunction with one another during a long, large investigation, such as the 2012-13 arsons. This event will cost $5 for each Historical Society member and $10 a person for the general public. The location will be the Onancock Baptist Church, 1 Crockett Ave. Purchase tickets at shorehistory.org.
Also planned from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12 is a free Fire Safety Family Fun Day revolving around fire safety and firefighting. This will be on the front lawn of Ker Place. Various Shore fire companies and departments will have equipment on display; Sparky the fire dog will be out and about for pictures; and there will be giveaways for the kiddos. The Accomack County Department of Public Safety will be bringing its fire prevention house for kids to tour. We also hope to have some contests among firefighters, for example, who can put their turnout gear on the fastest. Hint, hint! If you’re a firefighter interested in participating in the contest(s), please contact Amy Savona, ESVHS marketing director, at (757) 787-8012 or marketing@shorehistory.org. Family-friendly lunch items will be available for sale.
