Howard and Norma Weaver established one of the premier firehouse museums in the country through their generous contributions. Because of their passion, this museum is dedicated to showcasing the history and accomplishments of firefighting throughout the past two centuries.

Howard E. Weaver, Jr. and Norma Jean (Clement) Weaver were high school sweethearts and were married on December 26, 1950. Through their love of animals, they started a pet supply business, H&H Distributing, which became very successful. They also owned Yesterday’s Collection and Ice Cream Parlor in Ann Arbor. They began to collect antique vehicles, including fire trucks.

Norma’s father, Henry Clement, was a firefighter for the City of Ann Arbor, and died while on-duty in 1961. Norma’s passion for firefighters is clearly a tribute to her father.

The Weavers were members of several vintage car clubs: the Dexter Vintage Car Club, the Cadillac-LaSalle Club, the Classic Car Club of America, and the Antique Fire Truck Association known as SPAAMFAA. They served on the Boards of The Washtenaw 100, the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum and the Ypsilanti Automotive Heritage Collection, and were proud benefactors of the Washtenaw Community College Automotive Restoration Program.

Most importantly, in 1998 the Weavers created the Michigan Firehouse Museum and Education Center. They purchased the Old Firehouse building, and built this large addition, donating most of the items on display.

Sadly, Howard passed in October, 2014, and Norma passed in December, 2020. We honor their kindness, passion and generosity by ensuring their vision and support continues today and into the future.