| History, interactivity and engaging scientific content share the story of how oil and natural gas changed Texas |
The Bullock Texas State History Museum unveiled last week a newly renovated and expanded “Texas Oil and Gas” exhibit, where visitors are invited to learn about cutting-edge innovation, economic impact, and the environmental evolution of the state’s most storied industry over the past 100 years. The new exhibit was made possible with the support of Texas oil and natural gas companies and the Texas Oil & Gas Association (TXOGA). The unveiling of the renovated exhibit coincided with TXOGA’s Centennial Celebration.
“Innovation, perseverance and grit are the hallmarks of being a Texan. Perhaps no one better personifies ‘Texas’ than the fearless oil wildcatters who set out to change the world more than 100 years ago,” said Todd Staples, president of TXOGA. “I am so proud to see their legacy on display at the Bullock Texas State History Museum and encourage everyone to learn more about how Texas know-how, innovation and hard work have catapulted the United States to become the world’s undisputed energy leader.”
“This expanded gallery makes it possible for the Museum to highlight more of the early and contemporary stories of oil and natural gas in Texas than ever before,” said Margaret Koch, director of the Bullock Texas State History Museum. “It’s more interactive and richer in artifacts and personal stories, emphasizing the importance of the industry to Texas’s impact across the world. We’re very excited to bring this experience to our visitors, and are grateful to TXOGA and the numerous companies and archives that provided the access and resources to make it possible.”
Dedicated sections of the exhibit include Economic Booms and Busts, Process to Product, Environmental Impact, and Innovation. Visitors will see a working pumpjack and an immersive flyover of offshore oil rigs, view video interviews of industry employees, operate a Christmas tree to control the flow of oil, learn about the evolution of drill bit and imagining technology, understand the anatomy of a pipeline, and much more in the 1500-square foot exhibit. To learn more, visit https://www.thestoryoftexas.com/visit/exhibits/texas-oil-and-gas.
Funding, planning and resources for “Texas Oil and Gas” was provided by the following: Concho Resources Inc., Pioneer Natural Resources Company, Chevron, CITGO Petroleum Corporation, EOG Resources, Exxon Mobil Corporation, ConocoPhillips, QEP Resources, Inc., Encana, Energy Transfer, Occidental Petroleum Corporation, Shell, Marathon Oil Corporation, and the Texas Oil & Gas Association.