The Energy Education Center: The Next Chapter of the Kansas Oil Museum

The Kansas Oil Museum is beginning a long-term transformation of the Energy Education Center into a new home for the Kansas oil story.

Beginning in 2027, our goal is to begin transitioning the EEC into the Kansas Oil Museum, creating a larger, more immersive space dedicated to the people, science, technology, innovation, and industry that shaped Kansas oil.

Our vision is to create something that feels like a small, oil-focused science museum while still preserving the history and stories that make the Kansas oil industry unique. Visitors will have opportunities to explore, experiment, ask questions, and better understand the science and engineering behind the industry.

This isn't a new mission for the museum. It is an opportunity to expand how we tell the story and who we can serve.

From Energy Education to Hands-On Exploration

The Energy Education Center has already given the museum an opportunity to expand its educational programming and introduce visitors to the science of energy.

As the building becomes part of the Kansas Oil Museum, we plan to build on that foundation with new interactive exhibits and learning experiences focused on Kansas oil and energy.

The future space may include opportunities for visitors to explore:

  • How oil is formed and produced

  • The science and engineering behind drilling

  • How oil moves from the field to the refinery

  • The technology that changed the industry

  • The people and companies behind Kansas oil

  • Energy, innovation, and the future

ONE PROJECT.

THREE BIG OPPORTUNITIES.

TELL THE KANSAS OIL STORY

More space to explore the people, companies, technology, refining, production, and innovation that shaped Kansas oil.

EXPAND STEM LEARNING

Create more hands-on opportunities for students, families, educators, and visitors to explore science, engineering, energy, and problem-solving.

OPEN NEW SPACE FOR BUTLER COUNTY

Moving the oil exhibits into the EEC will create additional space in the original museum building to tell the stories of Butler County's communities, families, businesses, and people.

A Hands-On Approach to STEM

The future Kansas Oil Museum will use the history of the oil industry as a starting point for hands-on STEM education.

Students won't just learn that an invention changed the oilfield. They'll have opportunities to explore why it worked, how it was engineered, and what problems people were trying to solve.

Our goal is to create experiences that encourage students to:

Explore • Experiment • Build • Question • Problem-Solve

These experiences will complement the museum's existing field trips, homeschool programs, STEM events, educational activities, and community programming.

A Space for Community Learning

The Energy Education Center also serves, and will continue to serve, as a flexible space for educational programs, workshops, and community events connected to the museum’s mission.

This space allows the museum to host:

• lectures and speaker programs

• educational workshops

• student activities

• community history programs

• special museum events

By creating space for learning and conversation, the museum continues to connect the community with the history and future of energy.

Help Build the Next Chapter

Transforming the Energy Education Center into the Kansas Oil Museum is a significant undertaking, and we are beginning to invite our community to be part of the vision.

Become a Founding Builder

Individuals, families, small businesses, civic organizations, and companies can help lay the foundation for the future of the museum through gifts ranging from $100 to $2,500+.

Founding Builders will receive recognition as part of the community that helped launch this next chapter.

Email us to learn more

Other Ways to Support

  • Corporate and industry partnerships

  • Naming opportunities

  • Exhibit sponsorships

  • Matching gifts

  • In-kind donations

  • Professional services

  • Volunteer support

  • Donate historical photographs, artifacts, and stories

WE'RE BUILDING THIS TOGETHER

This project is still in its early stages, and there is much work ahead. As plans develop, we'll continue sharing the ideas, stories, and people helping shape the future of the Kansas Oil Museum.

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Become a Founding Donor

The next chapter of the Kansas Oil Museum is being built now. Your gift helps us transform the Energy Education Center into a hands-on museum focused on Kansas oil, STEM education, and the stories of the people who shaped our industry and communities. Every gift helps lay the foundation for what comes next.

3% Cover the Fee

Project Disclaimer: Plans for the Energy Education Center Transformation Project are still being developed and may change as the project progresses. Contributions support the overall transformation and educational mission of the project and do not guarantee a specific exhibit, feature, or recognition opportunity unless separately agreed to in writing.

Have Questions or Want to Get Involved?

There are many ways to be part of the EEC transformation beyond making a financial gift. Whether you have an idea, want to explore a partnership, have materials or expertise to share, or simply want to learn more about the project, we would love to hear from you.