Fire Hydrant Display through February 2025

See Inside a Fire Hydrant with Temporary Exhibit at Hieronymus Mueller Museum

Ever wonder how fire hydrants work? Children and adults are invited to see the inner workings of a full-sized Mueller Company 5 ¼ Centurion fire hydrant with a cut-a-way view during a temporary exhibit, “Fire Hydrants: Inside and Out,” at the Hieronymus Mueller Museum from now through February 2025.

“People walk by fire hydrants every day,” says Museum Director, Katherine Unruh, “but it’s a rare opportunity to actually see the inside of one and observe it in action.”
The temporary display combines history and science, with a brief look at Mueller Company’s past fire hydrants and a modern, full-sized Mueller fire hydrant with a cut-a-way view. In addition, visitors can operate the hydrant with a wrench to see its inner mechanics at work.

“This special fire hydrant with a cut-a-way view was gifted to the Hieronymus Mueller Museum by Mueller Company earlier this year,” says Unruh, “and we’re thrilled to be able to share it with the public as a new hands-on interactive.”

The Hieronymus Mueller Museum is open every week of the year: Tuesday through Saturday from 1pm to 4pm.

Your Invitation

The Hieronymous Mueller Museum is proud to display numerous exhibits and memorabilia from the Company’s history. We invite you to visit this incredible collection at your earliest convenience.

The museum’s address is 420 West Eldorado Street in Decatur, IL. We’re open to the public on Tuesday through Saturday (except holidays) from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. You can also schedule a visit by calling 217-423-6161. Admission is $2.00 for adults and $1.00 for those under 17 years of age.

Recent Stories

Working at Mueller Co. in 1925

An interesting little bit of history was unearthed in sorting some old company papers - Mueller Information and Factory Rules. This small 34 page booklet was published in 1925 for distribution to all employees and tells us a great deal about the relationship of the...

read more

Mueller Son Races from Bloomington to Decatur

The story of Hieronymus Mueller and his interest in automobiles is pretty well known by those of us with an interest in Mueller history. Hieronymus earned a spot in automotive history through this success in America’s first auto race in 1895.

read more

Defeating “The Cup of Death”

In the summer of 1911, Decatur newspapers were filled with the buzz of the new state law abolishing the public drinking cup. “The Cup of Death”, would soon be a thing of the past.

read more

News & Events

Collections Internship – PAID

The Hieronymus Mueller Museum occasionally offers a paid Collections Internship. There is not an internship opportunity open at this time, but please check back.

read more

Taste of History

A progressive evening of cocktails and hors d’oeuvres returns!

The Taste of History event returns this year Saturday, October 7 from 5-9pm. During this event, you’ll explore five of Decatur’s history sites while enjoying delicious hors d’oeuves and drinks at each location.

read more

Mueller Museum Donating Art to Decatur Area Arts Council for Fundraiser

The Hieronymus (HAIR-on-i-mus) Mueller Museum of Decatur, IL is partnering with the Decatur Area Arts Council to showcase a selection of museum founder, Jane Mueller’s personal art collection. The show will be up April 1-23 in the Anne Lloyd Gallery at the Decatur Area Arts Council. All of the art will be for sale, with proceeds supporting the Arts Council. Learn more at DecaturARTS.org.

read more

Let's Get Social

Connect with us on Facebook