News Summary
The National Construction Equipment Museum will host its International Convention and Old Equipment Exposition, providing a unique chance for attendees to operate historic machinery. The event, organized by the Historical Construction Equipment Association, is set to feature interactive demonstrations and displays from the early 1900s to the 1970s, making it a family-friendly experience. The museum invites vintage machine enthusiasts to participate and aims to engage younger generations through educational activities.
Bowling Green, Ohio—The National Construction Equipment Museum is set to host its International Convention and Old Equipment Exposition from September 18 to 20, 2025. This highly anticipated event will offer a unique opportunity for attendees to experience operating construction machinery and view a variety of historic equipment.
The museum, located just outside Bowling Green, is operated by the Historical Construction Equipment Association (HCEA), a nonprofit organization established in 1986. Over the years, HCEA has expanded its reach, now boasting a membership of approximately 3,500 to 4,000 individuals globally. A group of about 15 dedicated local volunteers, many of whom possess decades of experience with machinery, play a crucial role in running the museum and its events.
The upcoming exposition promises not just static displays but also interactive demonstrations of cranes, shovels, dozers, and even a rock crusher powered by a steam engine. Attendees will have the chance to view some of the showcased equipment that dates back over a century, including horse-drawn road graders and early diesel dozers. Currently, the museum exhibits machines from the early 1900s through the 1970s, showcasing the evolution of construction technology.
Historically, the exposition has attracted participants from countries such as Sweden, Germany, England, and Australia, highlighting its international appeal. The family-friendly event includes activities for younger guests, such as a sand pile featuring a crane and a gravel screening pit designed for children. Vendors will also be present, offering model toys, vintage literature, and rare collectibles related to construction equipment.
The museum encourages attendees to bring their vintage machines to display or operate during the event, fostering a sense of community and collaboration among enthusiasts. Volunteers contribute significantly to the preservation of these machines, meeting weekly for restoration projects and maintenance. One prominent project currently underway is restoring a 1920s Buckeye trencher, capable of digging depths between 12 and 15 feet.
All the machinery featured in the museum is acquired through donations, with transportation often posing a complex challenge. An acquisition committee assesses potential donations to ensure that they align with the museum’s mission to preserve the history of construction equipment. Due to space limitations, construction is now in progress for a new 200-by-100-foot steel building. This new facility will include a heated floor, designed to improve visitor experience with enhanced viewing conditions and educational materials.
The museum’s mission is focused on preservation and education, particularly aimed at engaging younger generations. Volunteers have voiced a need for more youth involvement in their activities, signaling an opportunity for the next generation to learn about and appreciate the history of construction equipment.
More information on the Historical Construction Equipment Association and details about the upcoming exposition can be located at their website, hcea.net.
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