Northwest Steam Society - Who we are and what we're about

This page is intended to give a brief overview of our history and purpose. We encourage you to visit the remainder of the site to "get the feel" of our organization - one of the largest and most active hobby steam organizations in the world.

Our membership is open to anyone with an interest in "live steam". Select the "application" button to the left to join us.

The Northwest Steam Society, a non profit volunteer organization, was formed in 1973 for the mutual benefit of Steam Enthusiasts in the Pacific Northwest and beyond. Membership is open to anyone interested in Live Steam as a hobby and the annual membership fee of $ 20 US Funds includes a quarterly newsletter, the STEAM GAGE; GUIDELINES for OPERATING SAFETY in our HOBBY, suggestions and experience that cover safe maintenance and operation of steam equipment; and a ROSTER listing names, addresses, and interests of members. Members with steam projects are able, thereby, to contact other members for advice and encouragement.

The membership's interests include steam: boats, trains, traction engines, stationary equipment, automobiles, and models; the most active being those with steam boats. An Annual General Membership Meeting and Dinner is held in Seattle each March, the meeting being brief to allow ample time for the members to socialize. The Annual Steam Meet, held each August at a different location, attracts over 30 steam launches as well as automobiles, models, and stationary equipment. This is a social event to which all members are invited and includes a Friday evening Social and a banquet on Saturday evening. Viewing of equipment is open to the general public. There are also several "mini-Meets" and educational workshops hosted by members throughout the year. To learn more about these gatherings visit our EVENTS page.

Our primary purpose is to facilitate information exchange about this enjoyable hobby. Visit the other pages in this site as well as our links to other web sites to sample some of the fun of our hobby. And, if you would like to know more, please fill out an APPLICATION to join us!

Currently there are over 95 steam launches in the Society and 300+ members from the USA, Canada, United Kingdom, Europe, Australia and New Zealand.

Thank you for your interest!

Last update this page: July 3, 2008

The use of the "animated Watt engine" on this page is kindly provided by Scuola Media di Calizzano (Savona) Italy.