News

Shipbuilding Museum to hold Steam Muster

By Amanda Flitter
Staff Writer
Published: October 10, 2008

ESSEX — The Essex Shipbuilding Museum will celebrate the era of steam on Saturday, Oct. 18, during its second annual Steam Muster. The event will run 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will be held rain or shine.

Collectors from across New England will display steam and other industrial-era machinery, typical of what was seen in Essex's A.D. Story Shipyard between the 1890s and 1914. There will be steam launches, working steam engines, and a working steam roller. There will also be a turn-of-the-century Gloucester coal truck, much like the kind that delivered coal to Essex steam engines.

Other attractions include lectures on steam engines and the history of steam, historical presentations on steam vehicles, and tours of the museum.

Steam power is deeply rooted in Essex shipbuilding history. The Essex shipyards produced 31 steam-powered tugs, trawlers, lighters, freighter and passenger haulers. Eight of those were more than 150 feet long.

Admission for the event is $10 per adult, and children 12 and younger are free of charge. There is a suggested contribution of $25 for families. Food and beverages will be available throughout the day. All proceeds will benefit the museum.

Amanda Flitter may be contacted may be contacted at gt_reporter@gloucestertimes.com.