West Kern Oil Museum

05/17/2026

Thank you to everyone who attended the grand opening of our new Research Center during Pioneer Day on Saturday.

The West Kern Research Center will provide students at Taft Union High School with hands-on experience in archiving, preserving historical materials, and conducting local historical research. This new space represents an important step forward in our mission to preserve and share the rich history of the West Side oilfields and our community.

In addition, we have several other exciting renovations and projects currently in development that will create even more opportunities for our members and visitors to engage in historical research at the museum.

Consider becoming a member today to stay up to date on the exciting developments taking place at the West Kern Oil Museum.

05/13/2026

Join us for Pioneer Day at the West Kern Oil Museum on Saturday, May 16th from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Admission is completely free as we celebrate the history and heritage of the West Side oilfields and community.

This year’s event will feature:
• Grand Opening of the West Kern Research Center
• Historic Gas Engines Display
• Live Blacksmith Demonstrations
• Museum Exhibits & Family Activities

Plate lunches will also be available for purchase beginning at 11:30 AM and include:
Tri-tip & Chicken, Chili Beans, Macaroni Salad, Beverage, and Dessert for $23 per plate.

Bring your family and spend the day exploring local history at the West Kern Oil Museum in Taft. We look forward to seeing you there.

04/21/2026

Join us for a special day celebrating history, community, and a new chapter at the West Kern Oil Museum!

📅 Pioneer Day – May 16th, 2026
🕙 Saturday | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
🎟 Free Admission

Be part of the Grand Opening of the West Kern Research Center and enjoy a full day of engaging activities, including:

* Gas engine displays
* Live blacksmith demonstrations
* Hands-on historical experiences

🍽 Plate Lunch Available ($23 per plate)
Serving begins at 11:30 AM
Tri-tip & chicken, chili beans, macaroni salad, beverage, and dessert

Bring your family, explore local history, and help us celebrate the continued preservation of the West Side’s rich oil heritage.

01/23/2026

Join us for our Annual Dinner Meeting on Saturday, February 21, at Californians for Energy and Science (410 Supply Row, Taft). Enjoy a social hour beginning at 6:00 PM, followed by dinner at 6:30 PM, and hear from our featured guest speaker, Ted Pendergrass of the Taft Oil-Technology Academy. Admission is $25 for members and $30 for non-members. Elections for board members will be held during the meeting (voting limited to current members). Thank you for your support!

12/09/2025

Join us at the West Kern Oil Museum for a festive evening tradition! 🎄✨

Our Soroptimist Cake Walk returns during Home for the Holidays on Saturday, December 13 at 6:30 pm. Bring your family, enjoy the celebration, and try your luck at taking home a delicious holiday treat. 🍰❤️

Home for the Holidays
📅 December 12 & 13, 2025
⏰ 5:30–8:30 PM
🎟️ $5 Entry Fee

We look forward to celebrating the season with you!

12/06/2025

It's beginning to look like Christmas at the West Kern Oil Museum. Come on down and vote for your favorite tree. Home for the Holidays begins Friday, December 12.

12/04/2025

We are one week away from our 4th annual Home for the Holidays! Stop by December 12–13 from 5:30–8:30 pm to enjoy beautifully decorated trees from local schools, clubs, and community groups—and cast your vote for this year’s winner.
We look forward to celebrating the season with you!

11/23/2025

🎄 Home for the Holidays at the West Kern Oil Museum 🎄
Join us on December 12 and 13, 2025 for one of our most popular community events of the year!

From 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm, the museum grounds will come alive with festive activities for all ages, including:

✨ Photos with Santa & the Grinch
✨ Light Walk
✨ Tree Decorating Contest
✨ Themed Nights
✨ Family-Friendly Games
✨ Food and Desserts (sold separately)

Admission is $5 per person and includes access to all activities.
Children 5 and under are free.

Come celebrate the season with us and enjoy a warm, family-friendly holiday experience at the West Kern Oil Museum. We look forward to seeing you there!

10/27/2025

🌟 After the Buzz of Oildorado… The Story Keeps Pumping at WKOM!
The excitement of Oildorado may have wrapped up, but the legacy of oil, community, and innovation continues every day at the West Kern Oil Museum. From historic rigs to hands-on exhibits, we’re still telling the story of the black gold that built the West.
Come explore the heart of Kern County’s oil heritage — where the past fuels the future.
📍 Open Friday & Saturday 10am-4pm| 🎟️ Admission is FREE
Private & group tours available upon request.

10/20/2025