The Magic Age of Steam

Discover the impact of steam technology with this interactive experience!

Hop on in and travel back in time to the “magic age of steam”! This era, defined by our site as between 1900-1920, was marked by a period of innovation and invention, when explosions of new technology changed everyday life. Steam technology allowed people to travel farther and faster than ever before, powering trains, ships and automobiles. As quickly as steam power rose it fell, but the allure and influence endures.

Through this application, discover the impact of steam technology, especially through steam-powered cars with a ride in one of our Stanley steam cars or explore a 3-D model of one. Watch informative and engaging clips with museum staff to learn about early transportation and the inspiration behind creating automobiles. Determine the pros and cons between early gas, steam and electric cars and why gasoline-powered automobiles won out. Finally, delve into steam car science and discover how these cars run!

The Marshall Steam Museum hosts the largest collection of working Stanley steam cars in the world and is a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating the public about Delaware’s industrial history and the impact of steam technology. They own and maintain the Marshall family’s extraordinary collection of antique automobiles, along with the Auburn Valley Railroad. The museum is located on the grounds of Delaware’s newest state parks, Auburn Valley State Park.