History & Culture

 Future Expositions: The Plan Each year our Spring Exposition features a particular engine.  Here are the featured engines for upcoming years of Expositions. June 18, 19, and 20, 2026 - Hot Air Engines of the World This Exposition will feature the hot air (Stirling) engines, fans, and numerous past and present thermal operated toys and models from across the globe! The museum currently showcases several of these unique and interesting operating machines and a record number are expected to show up for the show. Our chairman for this event is well known and respected for his knowledge of these engines, and their past, present, and future value to mankind. Exposition Chairman: Dr. Brent Rowell June 17, 18, and 19, 2027 - Crossley Bros. and other English Engines The focus of this event will showcase these uniquely designed engines. They have become popular with collectors and engine enthusiasts here in the states and abroad. The museum showcases of these engines. We look forward to seeing these engines for the Exposition! Our knowledgeable chairman promises a great Exposition! Exposition Chairman: Wayne Grenning June 15, 16, and 17, 2028 - Diesel, Air Blast & Oil Engines This event will showcase our new “Diesel Centrale CPM” building with the M.A.N. Diesel, the Graz Diesel, and the Benz Diesel engines. The museum also has an extensive display of Oil Engines in the “Power Technology Building Annex” building. Exposition Chairman: Mike Murphy June 14, 15, and 16, 2029 - The “Otto” Gas and Gasoline Engines This event will showcase the famous Otto Gas and Gasoline Engine Company of Philadelphia, PA. Founded as Schleicher, Schumm & Co. in 1876 by its German parent company, the firm later became Otto Gas Engine Works in honor of the founder and father of our modern four-cycle engine, Dr. Nicholas Otto. Exposition Chairman: Chris Epping June 13, 14, and 15, 2030 - John Deere, Root & VanDervoort, & Waterloo Boy This event will feature the John Deere, R & V, and the Waterloo Boy gas engines. There should be many of these high-quality engines for the Exposition Show. Exposition Co-Chairman: Peter Knight and Rie Fulk

At Coolspring Power Museum Coolspring Power Museum is hosting "History Day" from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be volunteers throughout the museum buildings and grounds to give presentations on the history of many engines in the museum along with the history of the museum itself. They will explain when and where the engines were built and what they were used for. A brief description will be given on how the engines operate and why each manufacturer made his a little different than others. Many engines will be running throughout the day, with a scheduled start-up for the larger engines. Engineers will explain how they start an engine and answer any questions you might have. History Day will give you the opportunity to have a personal tour of the museum and the freedom to do so at your own pace. Volunteers will be on hand to show you why the Coolspring Power Museum has the finest antique engine collection in the world. The gift shop will be open all day for any souvenirs or apparel you might be interested in. Restroom facilities that are wheelchair accessible are available and there are plenty of benches throughout the grounds for taking a break. A food vendor will be on-site if you wish to purchase lunch or refreshments.  All parking is free. Admission for the event is $12.  Information regarding the event is available by calling the museum at 814-849-6883 or by calling Stewart McKinley at 814-316-1794 between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. Eastern Time.  Your admission includes presentations and tours.  History Day events are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.