Oil Museum of Canada, History museum in Oil Springs, Canada
The Oil Museum of Canada is a history museum in Oil Springs that documents petroleum extraction through extensive collections. Inside, visitors see drilling rigs from the 1800s and geological specimens, while the grounds feature working equipment still in use today.
The first commercial oil well in North America started here in 1858 and launched the modern petroleum industry. From this point on, extraction techniques improved rapidly and transformed the region's economy.
The place shaped how people in this region lived and worked, as local workers invented extraction methods that were copied around the world. These innovations came from hands-on experience and problem-solving in the field.
The museum sits about 50 kilometers southeast of Sarnia and offers guided tours through exhibition halls and access to outdoor grounds. Visitors should plan time for both areas, as exploring the working oil field gives special insights.
The oil field here is the oldest still operating in North America and uses some original equipment from the 1800s. These working pumps and structures show how production looked and functioned back then.
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