Oil Museum of Canada

Oil Museum of Canada The Oil Museum of Canada preserves the site of the first commercial oil field in North America. Dig into the history of the modern petroleum industry!

The Oil Museum of Canada is a National Historic Site that preserves the site of the first commercial oil field in North America, dug by James Miller Williams in 1858. Visitors from around the world come to learn the story of Canada's Oil Pioneers - a unique and captivating era of history! Start your visit with a short video giving you entertaining insight into the fascinating oil history of the Co

unty of Lambton. Explore the museum buildings containing drilling tools, artifacts and the stories of local international oil drillers who traveled the world in their quest for black gold. Disclaimer:
This page is intended to foster respectful, diverse commentary and opinions by members of the public. Any comment, opinion, post made to this page cannot and shall not be attributable to The Corporation of the County of Lambton and/or its employees, officers, and elected officials. Comments, opinions, and any other posts made to this page are solely attributable to the party providing the comment, opinion, and/or post. The Corporation of the County of Lambton does not monitor and/or moderate this page on a daily basis. Because this site is only periodically monitored, offensive materials or commentary may be present for which the County of Lambton denies all responsibility. The Corporation of the County of Lambton thereof cannot be held responsible or liable for any comments, opinions, and/or posts made to this page, and reserves the right, but not the obligation, to delete any comment, opinion, and/or post reasonably found to be offensive, derogatory, inappropriate, or libellous in any way

A Persian ruler is having a dinner party. Want on the guest list? Bring a goat! This silver goblet and accompanying napk...
06/01/2026

A Persian ruler is having a dinner party. Want on the guest list? Bring a goat!

This silver goblet and accompanying napkin ring depict a story of what we can assume is a procession of offerings.

These pieces from Persia (modern-day Iran and Iraq) beautifully illustrate the Persian tradition of metalworking.

This memento was purchased by Harry Smith who worked in the region as an International Driller.

Learn more about Harry Smith here: https://loom.ly/hnPoGVw

🚨This is not a drill!🚨We all have bought a bag of milk, but did you know that at one time you could buy a bag of oil?Thi...
05/29/2026

🚨This is not a drill!🚨

We all have bought a bag of milk, but did you know that at one time you could buy a bag of oil?

This one-quart plastic bag of Esso Uniflo 5W40 motor oil was packaged at the Sarnia Imperial Oil refinery. Oil was packaged in bags in the late 1970s and early 1980s to reduce waste compared to rigid plastic bottles or metal cans.

While we are always thrilled and honoured when we receive donations for our collection, this latest one has us has us gi...
05/28/2026

While we are always thrilled and honoured when we receive donations for our collection, this latest one has us has us giddy like five-year-olds on Christmas morning!

We recently received 20 boxes of photographs, negatives, and film used by the marketing department at Polymer/Polysar in Sarnia.

The collection includes exhibition materials created by the Canadian Education Association about Polymer, photographs from Polysar’s 50th anniversary book (if you had a connection to the company, you may recognize the iconic blue volume!), and newsletter negatives from the 1980s and 1990s - and much more.

We’re excited to begin exploring and cataloguing this exciting addition to our collection. Keep an eye on our online catalogue for our progress: https://loom.ly/9WhOJv0

Show your love for the Oil Museum of Canada with our museum merch!Choose from mugs, hats, magnets, pins, tote bags, puzz...
05/27/2026

Show your love for the Oil Museum of Canada with our museum merch!

Choose from mugs, hats, magnets, pins, tote bags, puzzles, our NEW stickers, and so MUCH more! You'll look cool sporting your favourite museum, and feel good knowing that all products are made in Canada!

All items are available in our gift shop.

🍁

05/26/2026

Oil Springs is home to nearly 60 metal folk sculptures hand crafted by Murray Watson?

Murray started his career in the family business, Watson's Machine Shop, and eventually opened his own business, Watson's Welding.

He developed a passion for metalwork and used his skills to create these wonderful works of art. You can see several of these metal statues at the Oil Museum of Canada or access the driving tour to see more located throughout the community.

Our students at the museum are always discovering and learning new things from our collections. Here is something that B...
05/22/2026

Our students at the museum are always discovering and learning new things from our collections. Here is something that Bryce found interesting:

I was today years old...

When I learned how and why the amount of hydrogen sulfide in a gas is measured!

Hydrogen sulfide gas is formed from the breakdown of organic matter by some microorganisms and is found in crude oil and natural gas. It can damage pipelines and is harmful at high levels, so it is commonly tested for and removed.

To use the device, the burette (glass tube seen in this photo) is filled with starch, the gas to be tested, and iodine added slowly.

As soon as the solution turns pale blue, the volume of iodine that was added is measured. It is then used to calculate how much hydrogen sulfide was in the sample.

What a cool fuel tool!

Happy International Museum Day! Museums are a vital artery to the heart of the communities they serve, providing a lifel...
05/18/2026

Happy International Museum Day! Museums are a vital artery to the heart of the communities they serve, providing a lifeline to the past and reminding us of our deep history. Visit a museum near you to celebrate the preserved stories of yore, and all the work museums do to keep the stories going.

https://loom.ly/FyjLTik

Put a little history in your long weekend plans with a trip to the Oil Museum of Canada, National Historic Site! This we...
05/11/2026

Put a little history in your long weekend plans with a trip to the Oil Museum of Canada, National Historic Site!

This weekend marks the beginning of our extended summer hours. From now until Labour Day weekend, we will be open on Sundays from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in addition to our regular hours.

Plan your visit: https://loom.ly/eDdl4TY

05/08/2026

that the word "plastic" is derived from the Greek word "Plastikos" meaning moldable?

Plastic is a popular human-made material made from synthetic polymers or long chain molecules connected together. Today a lot of the plastics we use are derived from petroleum-based hydrocarbons.

Several industries in Lambton County are interconnected by creating the petroleum cracked gases feed stocks to manufacture plastic pellets.
These pellets can then be used to make toys, furniture, clothes and other products we use everyday.

Rev Up Your Space! ⛽🛢️Looking for a statement piece for your home, office, or garage? The Oil Museum Gift Shop has you c...
05/06/2026

Rev Up Your Space! ⛽🛢️

Looking for a statement piece for your home, office, or garage? The Oil Museum Gift Shop has you covered with new oil and gas–themed décor that’s sure to turn heads!

Choose from a variety of unique clocks in different styles, sizes, and prices.

Or check out our eye-catching fuel pump cabinet (5' 10"/1.78m), complete with three interior shelves for books, collectibles, or memorabilia. The best part? The nozzle even lifts off for an authentic vintage touch!

These items are limited in quantity, so don’t wait too long — once they’re gone, they’re gone!

🚗 Stop by the Oil Museum Gift Shop and take home a piece of oil history today.

Address

2423 Kelly Road
Oil Springs, ON
N0N1P0

Opening Hours

Wednesday 11am - 4pm
Thursday 11am - 8:30pm
Friday 11am - 4pm
Saturday 11am - 4pm
Sunday 11am - 4pm

Telephone

(519) 834-2840

Website

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