oil & gas museum

We have stopped here several times and have found it closed when it was supposed to be open. We tried again today, found it closed, called their phone number a half-hour later and found it was now open. The video at the beginning was very good, especially if you are not from the area. The rest of the museum was......well.....unfortunately reminiscent of an antique store. The museum is housed in a wonderful old hardware store that is absolutely jam packed with tons of neat old things; however, it is not a museum in the sense that there are easy to read exhibits, good lighting, etc. There is just stuff everywhere! They've attempted to divide it all up by topic (Civil War, Oil and Gas, etc), but it really needs to be thinned out and displayed better. Although I appreciate all the time that has obviously gone into collecting everything that is on display, it was kind of junky rather than museum-like.

We were excited to visit this, but the disappointment came when it was not open as it should have been. The hours we got from the travel guide said 11AM and the sign on the door said 11:30. That was okay. We checked again at that time. No one there and no lights on. We did something else for a half hour and checked back. Still no sign of life at noon.

I recently toured the Oil & Gas Museum in Parkersburg after learning going to the new State Capitol Museum in the Cultural Center in Charleston and seeing many references to Parkersburg's significance in the oil and gas industry in United States. I was born and raised in Parkersburg and still have family there and was very surprised and proud to learn about how Parkersburg and surrounding areas/counties were a central part of that industry in the United States. The museum does in fact have lots and lots of exhibits and historical information about the oil and gas industry. It also has a lot of exhibits and photographs of Parkersburg (on the second floor) that have nothing to do with the oil and gas industry. I agree with another reviewer that there is so much in there that you really need to plan for several hours, or maybe even a day, to really look at and take in all that is there. The basement is very interesting and incredible to see how well maintained that building is, for its age. It is definitely worth a stop there, especially those wanting to learn the history of the area and/or are into the oil and gas industry.

The old building contains many rooms of various old objects from the early oil drillers, and from area businesses. The 20-minute film about the nation's original oil exploration and the formation of WV was well done. However, the rest of the museum was far too cluttered and poorly displayed. While many objects would be interesting to area residents, the facility appears to be in need of major funding for improvements to its focus and displays. The city and new gas- fracking investors should find a way to better present this area's history.

I went here as a fun day trip. They ask for a donation to get in. Once there you have a few floors to walk around and explore. They have so many old pices of equipment and tools to see. I felt like I couldn't see it all there was so much. I enjoyed that you could take your time looking around. The man at the door was older and very informative whenever we had a question. This is the perfect place for people who love history and things to do with how the industry in oil and gas progressed.

Weather was in the single digits and snowing like crazy... Visits during the summer would more enjoyable as they only heat a small area of the building... Lot neat stuff to see and read....Document earlier Oil production than Col. Drake in Titusville, PA.

Something for everyone here, the pictures and maps are amazing! If you're interested in history, especially local history...this is a must!

I was totally surprised at the extensive collections at the museum. Besides the Oil and Gas displays, there is so much to see for anyone who enjoys looking into our great country's history. It was a pleasure speaking to David and I would like to return and spend more time exploring the many nooks and crannies.

The Oil & Gas Museum does not offer much to see if you are not from the area. Its displays are novice and provide limited information regarding the history of the oil and gas industry in the area.

Something so rich in WV, and US history, so very poorly organized. The film at the beginning was good, very informative.