If you don't know how they get the oil out of the ground and how they make gasoline for cars, then this is the place to go. This whole building was where Union Oil started. There were 3 different oil companies that went together and they named it Union Oil.
have visited many times, great special exhibits for motorcycles, even had a tour of the upstairs once with old GM from the 30's, he was a docent, spend time and don't hurry
This little museum has great static and practical displays to teach you about the local oil industry and its history! It's small enough to not bore children, but complete enough to entice the adults. There is a full-size drilling set that magically starts up as you enter the doorway of the separate building, and is really fascinating.This museum also has changing exhibits -- currently it houses a number of British vintage motorcycles!
We have been in town for many years and never cease to gaze into the windows of the old Union Oil building to view the displays inside. We get to enter all year anytime as members. The motorcycle displays they show are well worth seeing. Any time they bring in an exhibit, they involve the kids in our community.It is just one of several great attractions in Santa Paula.
Santa Paula is located where oil wells and pumps can still be seen as you drive on the 23 and 126 . The museum has a fine collection of old pumps and other items that shows the development of the oil industry in the area. inexpensive and worth seeing if you are in the area. Then drop in on cp aviation for a flight in the area, up to Ojai or even Magic Mountain with an instructor ..one hour in a 4 seater....
Located in the architecturally interesting and historic building where the Union Oil Company was formed, this museum tells the story of the early days of the oil industry very well, and has great temporary exhibits as well.
The gentlemen who greeted me were very nice and knowledgable. I had no idea that Santa Paula had such Oil History. The exibits are well worth the few dollar entry fee.
My Fiance and I got free tickets from the Glen Tavern and were kicking it around town and stopped by , lots of info on oil and local history. also had a display of prehistoric animals, and a working display that took a whole room of a old oil drilling operation the docent was cool and I had flashbacks of a number of the old gas stations that they shwoed had roots here in California. Remember signal oil? among others, if you are in town it is worth to stop by and check out.
It's a great museum for kids as it is not very large. They have very interesting exhibits every few months. The volunteers are very nice that work there.
There's a lot more oil history in California than people know. This small museum in the original Union Oil building in historic downtown Santa Paula had more to see than I expected. You can go through it in an hour but don't rush. There's a lot to see there. It also talks a little about the history of the oil industry in Santa Paula. In back is an old, full-sized wooden rig that still moves. Parking is free and it only cost $4 for adults. We'll be back.