History of the Coolspring Power Museum

The museum's origin goes back to the early 1950s and the efforts of two collectors: John Wilcox and Paul Harvey.  As their collections grew, significant pieces were gathered in a series of buildings in Coolspring, Pennsylvania.  Through the years, and with the help and encouragement of many other individuals, this became the Coolspring Power Museum.  The Museum was formally chartered in June 1985 as a registered, tax exempt, non-profit, corporation.  During the years since the founding, membership has grown steadily.  So have the collections housed at Coolspring.  Many other engine enthusiasts have placed significant pieces at Coolspring for display.  The grounds, as well as semi-annual shows, have expanded with visitors from Maine to California, as well as from Canada and England.

The Coolspring Collection of historic internal combustion stationary gas engines is the largest, mechanically most interesting, and historically significant in the entire country.

At this time, the museum is housed in 20 buildings that, besides its own large collection, contain many pieces placed there on loan.  Total inventory is about 250 engines with a significant number permanently mounted and operational.  The Museum acquires most of its collection by gift, however a substantial part of its operating budget has been spent on moving and other acquisition costs.

The History and Heritage Program of ASME International

The History and Heritage Landmarks Program of ASME International (the American Society of Mechanical Engineers) began in 1971.  To implement and achieve its goals, ASME formed a History and Heritage Committee initially composed of mechanical engineers, historians of technology and the curator (now emeritus) of mechanical engineering at the Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC.  The History and Heritage Committee provides a public service by examining, noting, recording and acknowledging mechanical engineering achievements of particular significance.  This Committee is part of ASME's Council on Public Affairs and Board of Public Information.  For further information, please contact Public Information at ASME International, Three Park Avenue, New York, NY 10016-5990, 1-212-591-7740.

Coolspring Power Museum

Mechanical Engineering Heritage Collection Designation

Since the History and Heritage Program began in 1971, 214 landmarks have been designated as historic mechanical engineering landmarks, heritage collections or heritage sites.  Each represents a progressive step in the evolution of mechanical engineering and its significance to society in general.  Site designations note an event of development of clear historic importance to mechanical engineers.  Collections mark the contributions of a number of objects with special significance to the historical development of mechanical engineering.

The Landmarks Program illuminates our technological heritage and encourages the preservation of the physical remains of historically important works.  It provides an annotated roster for engineers, students, educators, historians and travelers.  It helps establish persistent reminders of where we have been and where we are going along divergent paths of discovery.

The 125,000-member ASME International is a worldwide engineering society focused on technical, educational and research issues.  ASME conducts one of the world's largest publishing operations, holds some 30 technical conferences and 200 professional development courses each year, and sets many industrial and manufacturing standards.

The Coolspring Power Museum was designated as a Mechanical Engineering Heritage Collection in 2001.  The plaque below is proudly displayed on a vintage light standard in front of the Susong Building at Coolspring.

Hawkens, N. New Catechism of the Steam Engine with chapters on Gas, Oil and Hot Air Engines; Theo Audel & Co., New York 1898

Carpenter, Rolla C. & Diederichs, H, Internal Combustion Engines, Their Theory, Construction, and Operation; D. Van Nostrand Co., New York 1908

Graham, Frank D. Engineers and Mechanics Guide Vol 4, Theo Audel & Co., New York 1928

Morrison, L. H. American Diesel Engines; Mcgraw Hill, New York, 1931

Cummins, c. Lyle Jr. Internal Fire, Carnot Press, Portland OR, 1976

Vogel, Robert M., The Introduction of the Westinghouse Gas Engine, Bores & Strokes Vol. 3, Coolspring, PA, 1990

Wilcox, John P. Three Idle Strokes, Bores & Strokes Vol 4 & 5. Coolspring, PA 1991-2

Harvey, Paul E., Arthur R. Middleton, A Legacy of Engineering Genius, Bores & Strokes Vol 11., Coolspring, PA, 2000