This demonstration features an original steam engine built in 1856 by the Ames Iron Works Co. in Oswego, NY and used in a textile mill. An Explainer describes the different parts of the steam engine and explains why the use of steam as a power source was so revolutionary. A key concept that is explored is that of feedback which is controlled by the flyball governor.

Inventor James Watt needed a way to control the speed and power of his steam engine. He decided to attach a flyball governor so that the engine could control its own speed. Although James Watt did not invent the flyball governor or the steam engine, his idea to put them together caused the concept of feedback to become widely recognized. It foreshadowed 20th century automation.

When Is the Demo?

NYSCI offers a series of Demonstrations daily and rotates the schedule of presentations. Please contact us to inquire about Steam Engine Demonstration times and availability.