Experience History in Motion: Easthope Engine Demonstration
Join us at Britannia Shipyards NHS for Doors Open Richmond on Saturday and Sunday, June 8 & 9, 2024, for a rare opportunity to see a restored 1940s Easthope engine up and running.
Discover the mechanical ingenuity and impressive craftsmanship of this historical marine engine, along with its connection to Steveston and the local salmon fishing industry.
Doors Open is an annual celebration for residents, visitors, and families to explore, learn about, and appreciate the City of Richmond’s culture, heritage, and civic services. It is an opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look at over 40 diverse organizations, local businesses, and cultural sites, allowing the community to explore new discoveries within our own city.
At the Britannia Shipyards NHS we will offer a deep-dive into this mechanical marvel, with its pistons churning and gears turning and its distinctive “pop-pop-pop” sound (for those who aren’t able to join us in person, watch this 2008 YouTube video of the EVA idling at Finn Slough to hear her Easthope engine in action).
The story of Easthope engines begins in early 1900s, when George Easthope and his sons began to design and manufacture marine equipment. For over seven decades, Easthope produced marine engines and other specialized machinery. This advancement in technology revolutionized the fishing industry at that time, offering fishermen more affordable means of powering their fishing boats.
Local Easthope engine experts will be on hand to discuss their work and journey to restore, maintain and safeguard this piece of industrial and maritime history. work and the history of this engine. Don’t miss a display of photographs and parts that will be on view to illustrate their work.
For kids, look for a fun Easthope engine scavenger hunt, to explore the exhibits related to this piece of Richmond history!
Don’t miss the chance to witness this interesting piece of local history in motion and learn more about Steveston’s industrial and maritime heritage.
