Contributionship

The Contributionship Companies

First Philadelphia fire insurance company

Description

The Contributionship, founded in 1752, was another innovation of inventor and statesman Ben Franklin. It was Philadelphia's oldest fire insurance company and fifth in the nation. Since there was no public fire company at the time, the Contributionship would put out the fires of their own clients. These houses were identified by a plaque, roughly eight-by-eight inches, with an image of four hands clasped, forming a square. These plaques can still be seen on houses in the Society Hill district. Usually, if there was a fire in an uninsured house, the Contributionship would put out the fire and charge the victim after the fact. This museum, once their headquarters, is a testament to their firefighting efforts. There are original fire marks, firemen's hats, miniature engines, lanterns, and other tools of the trade are part of the first floor exhibits. The second floor is an elegant dining hall, lit by crystal chandeliers, where company functions and meetings were conducted. Tours of the upper room are available by reservation. Admission for the first floor is free.