Greater Poland Museum of Firefighting in Rakoniewice

The Greater Poland Firefighting Museum in Rakoniewice, opened on June 16, 1974, is an important part of the local cultural heritage, collecting archives and equipment related to firefighting. The museum is housed in a historic Evangelical church from 1763, which highlights its architectural and historical value. Since 1995, it has operated as a Branch of the Central Firefighting Museum in Mysłowice, and thanks to cooperation with the municipal authorities and the State Fire Service in Poznań, it has been expanded to include the adjacent former school building. The museum's collection comprises around 4,000 exhibits, including rare horse-drawn fire engines from 1776–1923, motor pumps from the 1930s, as well as various firefighter helmets and uniforms, documenting the development and history of firefighting. An interesting feature is the historic fire trucks, such as Chevrolets from 1927 and a Bedford ladder from 1954, which are displayed on the ground floor and in exhibition pavilions. The museum also has an extremely valuable advantage in its cooperation with partner cities from various countries, from which it acquires exhibits, enriching its cultural offerings. In August 2010, the first interactive room in Poland, "Firefighters to the Rescue of Nature," was opened, making the museum a modern and engaging place aimed at a wide audience, including children and young people.