The Conoco Museum, in Ponca City, will be hosting a 10th anniversary celebration and open house, on Friday, May 5, and Saturday, May 6. As part of the festivities, the museum will serve refreshments both days. In addition, the first 75 visitors each day will receive their choice of the Continental Oil Company inspired, signed and numbered print “Rural Delivery,” or the deluxe hardcover book, “Conoco: 125 Years of Energy.”
Following the 2002 merger of Conoco and Phillips 66, two sister museums were built to honor the achievements of these two innovative companies; the Conoco Museum in Ponca City and the Phillips Petroleum Company Museum in Bartlesville. Renowned museum designer Haley-Sharpe, of the U.K., was selected to tell the story. In the years since, the Conoco Museum has hosted over 52,500 visitors from every U.S. state, and 59 countries from around the world.
The museum has been a popular stop for many bus tours through the years, from as far away as Albuquerque, New Mexico. Not only do local schools take field trips utilizing the Conoco Museum curriculum, each year Bishop Kelley High School brings five to six high school classes as part of their Oklahoma History curriculum. Other large tours include a group of nearly 90 Lew Wentz campers with 4-H and the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Office.
Through the years, the Conoco Museum has been showcased by many major Oklahoma media outlets, including Oklahoma Educational Television Authority’s showing of “Roilty,” 50 Free Things to do in Oklahoma, The Journal Record, The Group Travel Leader, plus a recent encore appearance on Discover Oklahoma.
Originally distinguished as an Official Oklahoma Centennial Project, in 2010 The Conoco Museum was presented with an award for Outstanding Historical Museum in the State of Oklahoma by the Oklahoma Historical Society.
“Through the years, our goal has been to exceed the expectations of each and every visitor. We have found that the museum has something to offer for all ages, whether they have 30 minutes or 3 hours,” states museum director Carla O’Neill. “We want our visitors to be entertained, educated and have the opportunity to step back in time with Conoco nostalgia. We are very proud of this world-class facility, and are continually well-received by folks from around the world. With 10 years of success, we invite the public to come help us celebrate.”
The Conoco Museum is located at 501 W. South Ave. in Ponca City, OK. Regular hours are Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is always free. For additional information, or to schedule a group tour call 580-765-TOUR (8587).
