Exhibits

(above) Background illustration of a compound beam engine from Steam Vessels and Marine Engines, 1896, G. Foster Howell. http://www.archive.org/stream/cu31924030901817#page/n5/mode/2up

Nothing transformed the maritime world more completely than the engine. After centuries of riding the winding and fickle currents of air and ocean, voyages became straight lines with scheduled beginnings and endings. Within a generation, the churning revolutions of marine engine shafts had revolutionized not only the shape of ships, but also communication, commerce, work patterns, infra-structure, emigration -  in short, the world as we now know it.

Drawing from the extensive Maine Maritime Museum power collections, rare and unique marine engines and related hardware ranging from pounds to tons will be on display in HEAVY METAL. Particular examples of all marine engine types - the successes and the failures - will be featured, from one-lungers, triple compound steam, and outboards to gas-turbines, Z-drives, and diesel-electrics. 

Accompanying all the heavy metal will be a wide ranging exploration of 'motor culture', of what and why we both despise, and delight in, marine propulsion: motor-heads and other buffs, lobster-boat racing, the Scottish engineer, the 'black gangs', rum-runners, steampunk, and other social phenomena entwined with engines.

Also to be examined will be future directions in marine propulsion systems, large and small, exotic and mundane, as they adapt to global environmental scrutiny.