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Welcome to the Kansas Oil Museum!
The Kansas Oil Museum is the one of the largest museums in the state with a focus on the history of America's early 20th-century oil industry. We also preserve and interpret the history of Butler County, Kansas, from the earliest days of the Native American tribes and the pioneers, to small-town and ranch life of the 1900s.
In addition to curating both permanent and seasonal exhibits, we function as the Historical Society of Butler County, with a large research library and extensive archival and photographic collections.
All ages are invited to come and visit our large indoor exhibit hall and 10-acre outdoor area!
Indoors you will experience the story of:
The Kansas Flint Hills
Butler County, Kansas
The history and science of oil exploration and production
Outdoors you will experience the story of:
Oil Field Equipment from the past 100+ years, restored and operated during special events and tours. See how "black gold" was (and still is) extracted from deep within the earth, using this massive and powerful equipment.
Historic Oil Boom Town, furnished as if the town's inhabitants had never moved on. These oil boom towns operated as divisions of the oil companies, and were under the authority of company officials. Developed in response to oil strikes, these oil communities had their own stores, company offices, schools, and entertainment.
*During Inclement Weather the outdoor exhibits will not be open*
Kansas Oil Museum Face Masks! Reusable, double sided, filter friendly and comes with a reusable bag. Click on the photo to purchase yours today.
2019 Annual Board of Trustees Report
Below is the Annual Meeting 2019 Year in Review. This report was shared with our Kansas Oil Museum followers on Facebook during the Annual Meeting on June 2, 2020.
News & Upcoming Events
The Museum will be open Thursday-Fridays from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm and Saturdays from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Visitors are asked to comply with wearing a mask and help us uphold social distancing recommendations. We are so excited to see you, but please wait a bit longer if you have been feeling ill. More information on the new protocols are listed on this page!
Because of the close working quarters and the handling of documents, the Research Library will be open by appointment only. Please call 316/321-9333 to reserve your time and leave a message if we are not available.
Rural Crossroads:
The Changing Faces and Places of Butler County
December 1, 2020 - April 6, 2021
Visit the “Rural Crossroads” Tab to see how you can help
Are you interested in becoming a consignor at the Gusher Gift Shop? The goal of the Gusher Gift Shop is to provide a unique shopping experience for our guest, by featuring local artists' work and providing an additional source of revenue for our educational museum programs, as well as the local artist whose consigned work is offered for sale.
Mission: The Kansas Oil Museum will preserve and promote the history and the culture of oil in our county and state.