We confess: We took a cab to this venue, which, while technically in lower Manhattan, is nowhere near the other museums. It’s worth the trip.

Housed in a 1904 firehouse, the museum displays artifacts and art from the late 18th century to the present illustrating the evolution of firefighting. The collection includes pre-Civil War hand-pumped fire engines, lanterns and tools, early horse-drawn and motorized vehicles, helmets, painted leather parade hats, and a display of clothing of modern firefighters.

Favorite feature: A stained glass window designed by 3d to 6th grade students in Moore, Okla., in memoriam to 9/11.

278 Spring St., 212-691-1303, nycfiremuseum.org. Tuesday-Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday till 4. Adults $5, students, seniors $2, under age 12 $1.