Donate to Preserve History

The discovery of oil in 1915 fundamentally transformed Kansas. It dramatically impacted war efforts during World War I. The development of agricultural towns, influx of entrepreneurs and the establishment of petroleum communities established Butler County as a beacon of American values and opportunity. That beacon continues to blaze to this day.

The Kansas Oil Museum is dedicated to the preservation of that history and education of those values for generations to come. Your donation will enable us to continue to provide quality and relevant exhibits, educational programming and care for our historic collection.

We are a non-profit entity, funded entirely by membership fees and donations.

If you are writing a check, please make payable to: Kansas Oil Museum

The Fall 2025 Discovery Campaign: Fueling Our Future

Just as a discovery well opens the door to new possibilities, our Discovery Campaign is about igniting the next chapter of growth at the Kansas Oil Museum.

Your support for this fall campaign helps us:

• Expand hands-on educational programs that inspire students across Butler County.

• Restore and conserve vital pieces of oil field equipment that tell the story of local industry.

• Rebuild and modernize our indoor exhibits to connect oil’s past to its continued importance today.

• Support creative community initiatives like our Wildcatters Kids Theatre and new storytelling programs.

Every contribution—large or small—helps us keep history alive and relevant for future generations.

Donations can be made online, mailed, or brought directly to the museum during open hours.

Mailing Address:
Kansas Oil Museum
383 E. Central Ave.
El Dorado, KS 67042

Together, we can ensure that our community’s story continues to be discovered, shared, and celebrated.

 Donate an Artifact

The Museum shall preserve historic structures, collect applicable materials, conserve, exhibit and interpret collections of appropriate artifacts. Our holdings consist of photographs, decorative and fine art, textiles, ephemera, objects, artifacts, and archival material. In order to maintain consistency, professional and ethical standards for the management of the Collections, KOM adheres to a Board approved Collections Management Policy.

Butler County Historical Society/Kansas Oil Museum Collections Protocol

The Collections Committee asks that you submit pictures and a brief description of the item, including relevance that pertains to the mission of the museum. Please include dimensions, age, past ownership as well as any other pertinent information. Please include your name, email, mailing address, and phone number plus the same information if there is a separate owner. The Collections Committee meets periodically and will review all submissions at that time. A Collections Department where we can keep all our items safe and appropriately stored is our priority and we must evaluate all new accession items based on relevance, condition, and space available to house new items.

The Museum maintains selective standards in all acquisitions to which we hold in the public trust.

The acceptance of donations, gifts, and bequests shall be unrestricted and must be significant in itself so that it merits inclusion. Please note that the museum does not give monetary value for appraisals, nor do we accept drop-off donations without prior approval.

 Donate Your Time

The Museum is grateful for the hours of volunteer work and time donated yearly.

Your talent and skills will be appreciated at the Kansas Oil Museum and Butler County Historical Society, where we are dedicated to building a team that loves history, teaching, and working in a collaborative environment!

Every minute of volunteer time is an investment in our community and in future generations.