News Summary
The National Construction Equipment Museum in Bowling Green, Ohio, is set to host its annual International Convention and Old Equipment Exposition. The event will showcase operational historic machinery and offer attendees insights into the evolution of construction equipment. Visitors can engage with a diverse range of vintage machinery, participate in family-friendly activities, and interact with vendors. The exposition aims to enhance community engagement and preservation efforts within the industry, fostering a deeper understanding of construction history.
Bowling Green, Ohio — Nation’s Construction Equipment Museum to Host Major International Event in 2025
The National Construction Equipment Museum, located just outside Bowling Green, Ohio, will host its annual International Convention and Old Equipment Exposition from September 18 to 20, 2025. This event is set to attract visitors and enthusiasts from around the globe, offering a rare opportunity to see operational historic machinery and learn about the evolution of construction equipment.
Event Highlights and Unique Features
The exposition distinguishes itself from typical displays by featuring operating equipment rather than static models. Attendees will have the chance to view and possibly interact with a diverse range of machinery, including cranes, shovels, dozers, and a steam-powered rock crusher. Many of these machines date back over a century, offering an authentic glimpse into the history of construction technology.
Some of the vintage equipment includes horse-drawn road graders, early diesel bulldozers, and other machinery primarily from the 1900s through the 1970s. The event has historically drawn international visitors from countries such as Sweden, Germany, England, and Australia.
Family-Friendly Activities and Vendor Participation
The event is designed to be accessible for families, featuring activities like a sand pile with a crane and a kids’ gravel screening pit. Vendors will also be present, offering a variety of items such as model toys, vintage literature, and rare collectibles related to construction history.
The museum encourages visitors to bring their own vintage machines for display or demonstration, fostering a hands-on experience that appeals to enthusiasts and collectors alike.
Operating and Restoring Historic Equipment
Approximately 15 local volunteers participate in the museum’s operations, many with decades of experience in machinery repair and restoration. Weekly volunteer meetings focus on ongoing projects, including a current restoration of a 1920s Buckeye trencher capable of digging 12 to 15 feet deep. All equipment is donated, and transportation of vintage machinery often involves complex arrangements.
An acquisition committee carefully assesses potential donations to ensure they align with the museum’s focus on preservation and education. These efforts help to expand and diversify the museum’s collection while maintaining its educational value.
Facility Expansion and Future Plans
To improve display capabilities and visitor experience, construction is underway on a new 200-by-100-foot steel building. The facility will feature heated floors and modern amenities, allowing for better exhibit organization and educational sharing.
Preservation, Education, and Community Engagement
The mission of the National Construction Equipment Museum is centered on the preservation and education of historic machinery. The museum aims to engage younger generations in understanding the role of construction equipment in building America’s infrastructure and history. Yet, volunteers note a need for increased youth involvement to ensure the museum’s ongoing vitality.
Additional Information
More details about the Historical Construction Equipment Association and the upcoming exposition can be found on their official website. The event promises to be a comprehensive showcase of technological history, appealing to machinery enthusiasts and families alike who wish to explore the industrial heritage of construction.
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- Ohio Country Journal
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