The Society for Industrial Archeology.

OLIVER EVANS CHAPTER

Tour of the Schuylkill Generating Station

Friday, October 16, 2026 | 10:00 AM

Join the Oliver Evans Chapter of the Society for Industrial Archeology for an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of one of Philadelphia’s most important industrial landmarks, the Schuylkill Generating Station, A1 and A2 plants. 

Designed by John T. Windrim for the Philadelphia Electric Company, the Schuylkill Generating Station was the first large-scale, centralized power plant in the Philadelphia region and played a pivotal role in the electrification of the city, its transit systems, and the Pennsylvania Railroad. 

Over more than a century, the station evolved from hand-fired coal boilers and early steam turbines to cogeneration of steam and electricity, reflecting the remarkable technological changes that shaped modern Philadelphia. Pleae visit OE/SIA’s Workshop of the World entry on the station here for more information:  Schuylkill Generating Station.   

The program will include an introductory presentation on the history and operations of the station, followed by a guided tour of the facility.

Attendance is limited to 25 chapter members. Advance registration is required here:https://forms.gle/NxVbQhzwJWirWUCP6

● Featured Article
  • Philadelphia’s Center City District Foundation presents The Centennial Exposition of 1876: Recreated on Market East The Lits Building, corner entrance, 8th & Market Sts.Monday-Saturday, June 25 – December | 10 a.m.-6 p.m. The Lits Building, corner entrance, 8th & Market Sts.Monday-Saturday, June 25 – December | 10 a.m.-6 p.m. In…

● Latest Articles
  • Flying Dutchman” airport in Somerton

    The next meeting of the Northeast Philadelphia History Network will be Wednesday, February 7, 2018 at 7:00 PM at historic Pennepack Baptist Church, 8732 Krewstown…

  • Final 747 US commercial flight

    This is a timely addition to the annals of air flight presented to OE members who attended the chapter’s annual dinner. https://www.nytimes.com/2018/01/19/business/747-airlines-final-flight.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&clickSource=story-heading&module=second-column-region&region=top-news&WT.nav=top-news

  • Transportation Topic

    Philadelphia exploded in violence in 1910. The general strike that year claimed the lives of some two dozen people and made Philadelphia a prominent point…

  • The Pencil Lives!

    Who knew it took so many different materials, machines and processes to produce the pencil?. This article vividly captures the process in words and pictures,…

● About US

The SIA’s emphasis on archeology reflects a concern for the tangible evidence of early industry.  Our mission is the study, interpretation, and preservation of the surviving factories, machinery, bridges, canals, industrial communities and artifacts that are historically significant.

● Recent Articles
● ALL POSTS