The Birth of a Legacy: How NEMSM Came to Be
In the early 2000’s , EMS professionals, educators, and community members from across the United States united around a shared vision: to create a national repository that would preserve the history of their profession, honor the memory of first responders worldwide, and inspire future generations by sharing the stories and artifacts of emergency medical services.
In June 2006, a small but passionate group of EMS clinicians posed a pivotal question to the community: What if we create a national museum to preserve our heritage and educate the next generation?
This simple yet powerful idea sparked a movement that led to the founding of The National EMS Museum.
NEMSM’s first museum display at EMS World 2007
A Home for EMS History: Addressing a National Need
Since the closure of the To the Rescue Museum in Roanoke, Virginia, emergency medical services (EMS) have been largely absent from museum collections across the country. The public lost access to the incredible story of pre-hospital care and the groundbreaking innovations that save lives in their communities every day. No dedicated institution remained to preserve and honor the legacy of those who revolutionized emergency response and changed the course of U.S. history.
Meanwhile, private collections of EMS artifacts and memorabilia flourished in the homes and stations of EMS professionals nationwide. Although history was being preserved, it was often inaccessible to the public. What would happen to these treasures if their caretakers could no longer maintain them? Who would ensure that the story of EMS was told for generations to come?
In response to this growing need, a series of conversations began, bringing together private collectors, EMS innovators, industry leaders, and community members. From these discussions, a powerful consensus emerged: the nation needed a museum dedicated to EMS. Such an institution would honor the men and women who serve tirelessly to save lives and ensure that the rich legacy of emergency medical responders was preserved and celebrated for the future.
The Birth and Evolution of the National EMS Museum
With the support of a start-up grant from the National Association of EMTs (NAEMT) and generous contributions from private donors, the National EMS Museum was founded in the fall of 2006. The initial vision was ambitious: to create a national repository of EMS history accompanied by a network of satellite sites showcasing exhibits for EMS clinicians and the public. The Museum’s Board of Trustees quickly began collecting EMS-related artifacts and materials to bring this vision to life.
However, the economic downturn of 2008 brought unexpected challenges. Recognizing the need to adapt, the Board shifted its focus to preserving the collection and creating a traveling museum. This innovative approach allowed the museum to bring EMS history directly to the people, appearing at conferences, tradeshows, and EMS-related events across the United States.
The National EMS Traveling Museum became a resounding success, making repeat appearances at prominent events such as EMS Today, EMS World, and numerous state conferences each year. Its mobility and accessibility introduced countless EMS clinicians and communities to the rich legacy of emergency medical services.
In 2014, the Museum launched a bold new strategic plan to expand its role in the EMS industry. Renewed efforts in public outreach and collection development aim to deepen engagement and bring the inspiring story of EMS to communities across the country. This renewed focus marks a commitment to preserving the past, celebrating the present, and shaping the future of EMS for generations to come.
A Decade of Growth and Resilience: NEMSM’s Journey
In 2016, the National EMS Museum (NEMSM) celebrated its 10th anniversary with a renewed strategic plan focused on deepening connections with the EMS community. By enlisting the expertise of EMS professionals and museum specialists, NEMSM charted an ambitious course for its next decade.
Together with dedicated volunteers, the Museum launched impactful projects, including exhibitions commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Wedsworth-Townsend Act and the 20th anniversary of September 11, 2001. New programs, such as Museum Talks and Coffee with Doc, further engaged audiences, creating opportunities for meaningful dialogue and education about EMS history and innovation.
When COVID-19 struck, NEMSM faced significant challenges as in-person outreach efforts shifted to virtual platforms. Drawing on experience and adaptability, the Museum expanded its virtual offerings, transforming its established virtual museum into a hub for online programming accessible to visitors worldwide. Unlike many institutions, NEMSM continued to thrive, reaffirming its commitment to preserving and sharing EMS history, even during uncertain times.
In 2023, a dynamic new leadership team took the helm at NEMSM, invigorating its mission with a fresh focus on publications, public exhibitions, and outreach. It is an exciting era of growth and opportunity, driven by a shared vision to amplify the Museum’s presence and impact.
We invite you to join us on this journey. Whether as a member, volunteer, or partner, your involvement is essential to our success. Together, we can preserve the legacy of EMS and inspire future generations. Let’s build the best NEMSM—with you by our side!
