West Kern Oil Museum
Overview
The West Kern Oil Museum was established in 1973 to collect, preserve and interpret the oil history with help from a group of dedicated volunteers. The present museum building and grounds were opened to the public in October 1980. One of the few complete original wooden derricks left in the world stands guard at the museum. This derrick, built in 1917, stands over the original well, which was drilled during the first weeks after the United States entered World War I. The old cable tools used to drill and produce this well are still in place. The museum has grown from three to eight acres just on the south side of Taft. There are 11 buildings and when the master plan is completed will represent an old-time oil company camp on its oil lease lying among the fields. Hours: Thursday - Saturday 10AM to 4PM Sunday 1PM to 4PM
West Kern Oil Museum1186 Wood St
Taft, California 93268
