The Georgetown Steam Plant, built in 1906, has one of the last working examples of the large-scale steam turbines that doubled the efficiency of electricity production and shifted the public’s view of electricity from a luxury to a standard part of modern living. The plant ceased operations in 1972 and in 1980 was declared a Historic American Engineering Record site.
It’s now an education-oriented museum , with exhibits as well as classes in steam engineering. However, it was temporarily closed at the time of research for some renovations. Call ahead for updates (visiting hours were traditionally limited to once a month or by appointment).
