Preserving the past. Inspiring the future.
The Kansas Oil Museum brings the stories of Butler County and the Kansas oil industry to life through exhibits, education, and community engagement.
Our Story
The Kansas Oil Museum preserves and shares the stories that shaped Butler County and the Kansas oil industry. Through exhibits, education, and community programs, we connect visitors with the people, innovations, and industries that helped build this region.
Located in El Dorado, Kansas, our 10-acre campus brings history to life through indoor galleries, outdoor equipment displays, historic structures, and a research library that supports ongoing historical discovery.
The Beginning
The Butler County Historical Society is the organization behind the Kansas Oil Museum. Its roots trace back to the Commonwealth Club, founded in 1937 to promote interest in local history. Although the club disbanded after two years due to limited support, the idea of preserving Butler County’s heritage remained strong.
By the mid-1950s, renewed interest in protecting local records, artifacts, and cultural history led to the formation of the Butler County Historical Society.
The society held its first organizational meeting on November 29, 1955, with 105 charter members. Early leaders included:
F.H. Cron, President
Charles E. Heilmann, Vice President
Mrs. R.C. (Faith McGuinness) Loomis, Secretary
Clifford W. Stone, Treasurer
Trustees: Corah Mooney Bullock, Clarence King, and Mrs. Ralph (Bernice Benson) Wiley
The Historical Society was officially incorporated on March 17, 1956.
The First Museum Efforts
In 1956, the society received a $5,000 gift from F.H. Cron and purchased the T.A. Kramer property at 322 W. Central Avenue with hopes of eventually opening a museum.
Although the building was never used for that purpose, the society continued searching for a permanent location. In 1960, the Kramer property was sold and the historic Carnegie Library at Central Avenue and Star Street was purchased for $30,000. The library building was converted into Butler County’s first historical museum.
A Growing Vision
When F.H. Cron passed away in 1963, he left his entire estate to the Historical Society. This generous gift made it possible for the organization to expand its vision for a larger museum.
As the collections grew, the Carnegie Library location became too small. Plans soon began for a new facility that could better house the expanding exhibits and collections.
In 1977, the society selected land at 383 E. Central Avenue, the museum’s current location.
The Birth of the Kansas Oil Museum
In 1983, the Kansas Oil Museum was established to highlight the discovery and development of the oil industry in Kansas, with particular emphasis on the historic El Dorado Oil Field, one of the most significant oil discoveries in the state.
The museum began with outdoor displays of oilfield equipment and exhibits dedicated to the people and technology that fueled the region’s growth.
Over time, the museum expanded to include indoor galleries, educational programming, and community events.
Living History on Campus
In 1998, the K.T. Weidemann Living History Area was added to the museum grounds. This area features several historic structures that help visitors experience daily life during Butler County’s early years, including:
Boom Town
Foster Schoolhouse
Conner Cabin
Today, the museum’s campus includes indoor exhibits, outdoor equipment displays, historic buildings, and spaces for education, research, and community gatherings.
The Museum Today
The Kansas Oil Museum continues to preserve and interpret the history of Butler County and the Kansas oil industry. Our museum includes:
Indoor exhibit galleries
A 10-acre outdoor museum campus
The Butler County History and Research Library
Collections and archival storage
Educational spaces and meeting rooms
The Gusher Gift Shop
Through exhibits, events, educational programs, and research opportunities, we remain committed to preserving the past while inspiring future generations.
Our Mission & Purpose
The mission of the Butler County Historical Society/Kansas oil Museum is to preserve and interpret the history and culture of the people of Butler County. This will be accomplished by means of collections, exhibits, educational programs, special events, and research capabilities.
The museum’s purpose is to operate an open-air museum, with galleries and exhibits to depict Butler County’s history during the late 1850s through the late 1940s.
Primary focus on farming, ranching and petroleum industry. 100 years of history on 10 acres.
The museum shall preserve historic structures, collect applicable archival materials, collect and conserve exhibits, and interpret collections of appropriate artifacts. As an educational organization, year-round programing and group tours are offered to encourage the interest of the community.
Our Team
Vision for the future
Under new leadership, the Kansas Oil Museum is expanding educational programming, increasing community engagement, and creating a space where history inspires future generations. Our vision is a living museum where every visitor leaves with a story, a connection, and a spark of curiosity.
Be Part of the Story
The Kansas Oil Museum is more than a collection of artifacts — it is a place where community, education, and history come together.
With expanded programming, new events, and growing volunteer involvement, a new chapter is unfolding on our campus. Whether you visit, volunteer, become a member, or make a donation, you help preserve the stories that shaped Kansas.