News Summary
Bowling Green, Ohio will be the venue for the International Convention and Old Equipment Exposition, showcasing historical construction machinery. Attendees can interact with vintage equipment, including steam-powered rock crushers and horse-drawn graders. The event will attract international visitors and includes family-friendly activities, fostering community engagement through the Historical Construction Equipment Association’s commitment to preserving the past.
Bowling Green to Host International Construction Equipment Convention
The National Construction Equipment Museum, located just outside Bowling Green, Ohio, is set to host the International Convention and Old Equipment Exposition from September 18 to 20, 2025. This highly anticipated event showcases historical construction machinery and is distinguished by its emphasis on operating equipment, providing attendees with a unique interactive experience.
This year’s exposition promises a variety of heavy machinery, including cranes, shovels, dozers, and even a rock crusher powered by a steam engine. Many of these machines are over a century old, featuring remarkable pieces such as horse-drawn road graders and early diesel dozers. The museum’s collection spans from the early 1900s through the 1970s, reflecting the evolution of construction equipment through history.
Past conventions have drawn international crowds, with visitors from countries such as Sweden, Germany, England, and Australia. The event is not only focused on adult enthusiasts but is also family-friendly, with activities for children, including a sand pile featuring a crane and a gravel screening pit designed for younger visitors. Many vendors will be present to sell model toys, vintage literature, and rare collectibles related to construction machinery.
Volunteer Commitment and Community Engagement
The museum operates under the auspices of the Historical Construction Equipment Association (HCEA), a nonprofit organization founded in 1986. The HCEA has grown into a global community, currently boasting between 3,500 to 4,000 members. A dedicated team of approximately 15 local volunteers, many of whom possess decades of experience with machinery, helps run the facility, focusing on equipment restoration and maintenance.
Volunteers meet weekly to work on various restoration projects, one of which includes a 1920s Buckeye trencher capable of digging depths between 12 to 15 feet. All equipment at the museum is donated, and the process of acquiring machines for the collection is often complex due to transportation challenges. An acquisitions committee evaluates donations to ensure they fit within the museum’s mission, which is centered on preservation and education to engage younger generations.
Upcoming Developments and Future Plans
In response to space constraints, the museum is currently undergoing construction of a new 200-by-100-foot steel building. This facility will incorporate features such as a heated floor, enhancing visitor experiences through improved viewing conditions and educational opportunities. The new building aims to organize and display the museum’s collection more effectively, ensuring that visitors can appreciate the historical significance of the machinery showcased.
Despite the ongoing efforts, volunteers have recognized a pressing need to attract more young people to participate in museum activities, ensuring the preservation efforts continue to thrive. As the exposition approaches, the museum encourages visitors to bring their own vintage machines to display or operate, fostering a sense of community and involvement among fans of construction equipment.
For those interested in learning more about the HCEA and the upcoming exposition, additional information is readily available at the HCEA’s website. The event is positioned as a remarkable opportunity for construction enthusiasts and families alike to celebrate the machines that built America.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Upcoming Health Events in Los Angeles – August 2025
New York City Economic Trends Impacting Real Estate Market
Major US$1 Billion Expansion Planned for The Grand Ho Tram Resort
Additional Resources
- Ohio Country Journal
- For Construction Pros
- Construction Equipment
- MSN News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Construction Equipment
Author: STAFF HERE LOS ANGELES WRITER
LOS ANGELES STAFF WRITER The LOS ANGELES STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELosAngeles.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the LA Auto Show, Hollywood Film Awards, and the Los Angeles Marathon. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce and the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board, plus leading businesses in entertainment and technology that power the local economy such as Warner Bros. and SpaceX. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
