Over 2,000 square meters show how man used the energy of water and fire in the past. One focus is the history of iron processing in the Sauerland as well as a folkloric and cultural history exhibition area. In addition, various old power machines are on display, as well as the section on the "mechanization of agriculture".
At the original site of a tool, link chain and machine factory in the Salwey valley, the exhibition gives an impression of the working methods of the former small iron industry. The focus is on former industrial enterprises such as iron hammers and chain forges. The tour leads, among other things, through a large agricultural exhibition dealing with the topic "From manual labor to machine" and through an impressive collection of historical power engines, including two buck steam engines, which are considered to be the oldest working ones in Germany.
The juxtaposition and coexistence of early industry and the rural environment vividly illustrates traditional economic and lifestyle forms. One feels transported back to the generation of grandparents and great-grandparents.
During the Eslohe Steam Days at the end of May and the end of September, the steam engines, some of which are 150 years old, are demonstrated live in operation to visitors. In order to present this area in an entertaining way also on normal opening days, the Eslohe Museum presents itself in a multimedia way and with more information about the history and functions of the steam engines. The Eslohe Museum is one of the most visited museums in the Hochsauerlandkreis.
The DampfLandLeute Museum Eslohe is a member of the association >Museumslandschaft Hochsauerland and a highlight of >WasserEisenLand - Industriekultur in Südwestfalen.
The outdoor area of the DampfLandLeute Museum is one of the 43 Sauerland-Seelenorte in the Sauerland-Wanderdorf. The history of the Sauerland-Seelenorte and other useful information can be found at www.sauerland-seelenorte.de.