The museum's origin goes back to the early 1950s and the efforts of two collectors: Paul Harvey and John Wilcox. 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 collection became the Coolspring Power Museum. The museum was formally chartered in June 1985 as a registered, tax exempt, nonprofit, corporation. During the years since the founding, membership has grown steadily. So has the collection 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, England, and other countries.
The Coolspring Collection of historic internal combustion stationary gas engines is the largest, mechanically most interesting, and historically significant in the entire country.
The Fall Exposition & Swap Meet brings together engine exhibitors and enthusiasts for three days of engine runs, technical discussions, and a bit of swapping and shopping. The event occurred on October 19, 20, and 21, 2023.