This exhibit, Electric, Steam or Gasoline, tells the story of the past, present, and future of alternative power.

Today’s automobile designers and manufacturers are focused on adjusting to increased demands for power & fuel alternatives. The hope is that pollutant-free, long range, & efficient vehicles are just over the horizon. That\’s not new technology though!

In the early 20th century 22% of cars ran on gas. Steam and electric on the other hand dominated 80% of the market. Unfortunately, as gas prices dropped, and as egos and disposable income grew, so did cars. Fuel efficiency was nonexistent, and the consequences for our environment were for someone else to worry about. Now, in 2019, we are realizing the ramifications of our actions. The environment is deteriorating around us, and we are forced to turn to the past, to try to save our future.

Our exhibit, Electric, Steam or Gasoline: The Past, Present, and Future of Alternative Power tells the story of where we were, how we got here, and where we need to go. Modern cars like the Chrysler Portal concept car will be juxtaposed alongside its early 1900 counterpart, when electric cars had their first real heyday. Join us as we explore how companies like Chrysler and Tesla are using technologies from our past to try and rewrite our future.

Please note that the Western Reserve Historical Society will be closed until April 5, 2020.