The Pumping Jack Museum and Historical Association

About the Museum

The Pumping Jack Museum's mission is to collect, protect, and display the unique heritage of the town of Emlenton and the surrounding area. Our rich history is a convergence of early oil history and the heritage of the surrounding area. We want to honor all those who have gone before us that worked in the early western Pennsylvania oil fields, refineries, and on local farms.

Current Displays and Activities

The Museum is located in the Crawford Center – one of several activities in the former Crawford Memorial School Building. Our current displays include memorabilia from the early oil fields in western Pennsylvania and the Emlenton refinery. In addition, documents, and personal effects capture the local vitality of the community through its evolution. The displays provide insight into a typical American rural river community that had the pleasure of hosting some of the earliest formations of the oil industry, while yet maintaining an active farming community.

Four museum showcases in the hallway outside the museum hold changing exhibits. There also the Oil Region Alliance has established one of several Tourist Welcome Centers, which includes a comprehensive display of the Oil & Gas history of Venango County and particularly the southern part of the county and Emlenton.

On occasion historical talks and local films are presented at the Crawford Center.

The town streets and the river itself can be explored with the assistance of two local publications that are sold at the Museum. The Walking Tour Guide of the town of Emlenton provides a great way to see the town and learn about some of the personalities that were a vital part of it. The River Guide for Boaters provides information for outdoor activities along the Allegheny River.