The California Oil Museum is dedicated to showcasing the history of oil in California and the impact it had on generations of Californians. Based in the Santa Paula Hardware Company Building, otherwise known as the Union Oil Company Building, the birthplace of the Union Oil Company in 1890, the California Oil Museum highlights the inner workings of California’s black gold industry through a variety of photographs, working models, interactive displays, gas station artifacts, videos, and an authentic cable-tool drilling rig from the turn-of-the-century. Visitors can enjoy docent-led tours of the upper level of the museum, which features restored offices from the 1890s when the Union Oil Company was at its zenith, learn how the Native Americans used natural oil seeps, watch a miniature drilling rig bore into the earth, and take a step back in time and explore the memorable brands of gas bought by early California car drivers. The museum is home to the open-air Lundgren Courtyard, which is a perfect spot for picnics.

1001 E Main St, Santa Paula, CA 93060, Phone: 805-933-0076

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