News Summary
Bowling Green, Ohio, will host the National Construction Equipment Museum’s International Convention and Old Equipment Exposition, attracting global enthusiasts. The event will feature operational machinery, including vintage equipment from over a century ago, ensuring a lively experience for all ages. Family-friendly attractions, vendor offerings, and a call for vintage machinery displays will enhance the event. With efforts to expand exhibition space, the museum continues to engage younger generations in its mission to preserve construction history.
Bowling Green, Ohio is set to host the National Construction Equipment Museum’s highly anticipated International Convention and Old Equipment Exposition from September 18-20, 2025. This exciting event promises to attract construction equipment enthusiasts from across the globe, showcasing a variety of operational machinery instead of static displays.
The National Construction Equipment Museum, located just outside Bowling Green, is managed by the Historical Construction Equipment Association (HCEA), a nonprofit organization founded in 1986. Since its inception, the HCEA has expanded significantly, now boasting between 3,500 to 4,000 members worldwide. Active participation by approximately 15 dedicated local volunteers, many of whom possess decades of experience in construction machinery, demonstrates the commitment to preserving the history of construction equipment.
During the exposition, attendees can look forward to an array of machines in action, featuring cranes, shovels, dozers, and a rock crusher powered by a steam engine. A notable aspect of this event is the inclusion of machinery dating back over a century, with displays featuring horse-drawn road graders and early diesel dozers. The museum itself typically showcases machines from the 1900s through the 1970s, making it a unique destination for those interested in industrial history.
The exposition has a history of drawing international guests, with past attendees arriving from countries such as Sweden, Germany, England, and Australia. This year’s event is designed to be family-friendly, including attractions such as a sand pile with a crane and a kids’ gravel screening pit that engages younger visitors. Furthermore, vendors at the exposition will offer model toys, vintage literature, and rare collectibles, enhancing the overall experience for attendees.
In a bid to enrich the event experience, the museum encourages visitors to bring their own vintage machinery to display or operate during the exposition. Volunteers at the museum also actively participate in weekly restoration projects and ongoing maintenance of equipment. Current projects include restoring a 1920s Buckeye trencher, which is capable of digging up to 15 feet deep.
All equipment displayed in the museum is donated, with the transportation of these items presenting significant logistical challenges. To ensure the museum’s mission of preservation and education is upheld, an acquisition committee evaluates all incoming donations based on how well they fit the museum’s goals and available space.
Recognizing the need for more exhibition space, construction is currently underway on a new 200-by-100-foot steel building. This facility will feature a heated floor and aims to enhance the visitor experience with improved viewing options and more educational materials. This initiative aligns with the museum’s broader mission to engage younger generations with the history of construction equipment, although volunteers have noted a pressing need for more young individuals to take part in ongoing activities.
For additional information regarding the HCEA and the upcoming exposition, individuals are encouraged to visit the official HCEA website.
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INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER The INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIndianapolis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Indianapolis, Marion 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 Indianapolis 500, Indy Jazz Fest, and the Indiana State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Indy Chamber and Visit Indy, plus leading businesses in motorsports and healthcare that power the local economy such as Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IU Health. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Indiana's dynamic landscape.
