How to Learn Oil Boom History at the Tulsa Historical Society Museum

The early 20th century witnessed one of the most transformative economic phenomena in American history: the oil boom. Nowhere was this transformation more visible—or more enduring—than in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Once a quiet frontier town, Tulsa exploded into the “Oil Capital of the World” within a single generation. The Tulsa Historical Society & Museum stands as the primary custodian of this extraordinary legacy, preserving artifacts, documents, photographs, and oral histories that bring the oil boom to life. Learning oil boom history at this institution is not merely an academic exercise; it is a journey into the heart of American industrial ambition, entrepreneurial risk, social upheaval, and cultural evolution. For students, historians, tourists, and lifelong learners, understanding the oil boom through the lens of Tulsa’s museum offers unparalleled insight into how energy shaped modern America. This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step approach to maximizing your educational experience at the Tulsa Historical Society & Museum, ensuring you walk away with a deep, nuanced understanding of one of the most pivotal chapters in U.S. economic history.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Plan Your Visit in Advance

Before stepping through the doors of the Tulsa Historical Society & Museum, preparation is essential. The museum is not a sprawling, sprawling complex with endless exhibits—it is a curated, intimate space designed for thoughtful engagement. Begin by visiting the official website to review current hours, admission fees, and special exhibitions. While general admission is often free or low-cost, certain rotating exhibits or guided tours may require reservations. Note that the museum is typically closed on major holidays and may adjust hours during seasonal transitions. Plan your visit during weekdays if possible; weekends can be busier with school groups and tourists, which may limit quiet contemplation time.

Check the museum’s online calendar for special events such as lectures, film screenings, or reenactments related to the oil boom. These events often feature historians, descendants of early oilmen, or archivists who provide context beyond what static displays offer. Signing up for the museum’s newsletter can alert you to upcoming programs months in advance. If you’re traveling from out of town, consider pairing your museum visit with a walking tour of the historic Oil Capital District or the Brady Arts District, both of which are within walking distance and rich with architecture from the boom era.

2. Begin with the Permanent Exhibition: “Tulsa: The Oil Capital of the World”

Once inside, head directly to the museum’s flagship permanent exhibit, “Tulsa: The Oil Capital of the World.” This immersive gallery spans over 10,000 square feet and is meticulously organized chronologically and thematically. Start at the earliest section, which recreates the landscape of pre-oil Tulsa in the 1890s—wooden sidewalks, horse-drawn wagons, and the modest brick buildings of a town with fewer than 10,000 residents. Interactive maps show the discovery of oil in nearby Glenn Pool in 1905, the first major strike that triggered the boom. A replica of a hand-cranked drilling rig allows visitors to feel the physical labor involved in early extraction.

As you move through the exhibit, pay close attention to the scale models of early oil derricks, many of which were constructed from salvaged railroad ties and iron piping. These were not the towering steel structures of today but precarious, often dangerous wooden towers that rose hundreds of feet into the air. The exhibit includes actual tools used by roughnecks—drill bits, wrenches, safety lamps—and audio clips from oral histories describing the deafening noise of the rigs, the smell of crude, and the constant threat of fire.

3. Engage with Primary Source Materials

One of the museum’s greatest strengths is its archive of primary sources. In the Research Center, accessible by appointment or during designated public hours, you can view original documents from the era. These include land deeds from the Osage Nation, oil lease agreements signed in ink and seal, ledgers from early refineries, and personal diaries of oil field workers. Many of these documents are digitized and available on kiosks throughout the museum, but handling facsimiles or original letters under supervision offers a visceral connection to the past.

Look for the “Tulsa Oil Field Maps” collection, which shows the explosive growth of drilling sites between 1905 and 1930. Each dot on these maps represents a well, and the density of dots in certain neighborhoods—like the “Black Wall Street” district of Greenwood—reveals how oil wealth permeated every layer of society. Some maps even show the locations of “gushers,” where pressure ruptured the surface and oil shot hundreds of feet into the air. These events were both economic windfalls and environmental disasters, often flooding farmland and contaminating water supplies.

4. Study the Human Stories Behind the Drilling

The oil boom was not just about machinery and profits—it was about people. The museum dedicates significant space to the lives of those who lived through the boom. In the “Voices of the Boom” section, you’ll find recorded interviews with descendants of early oilmen, Native American landowners who leased their mineral rights, and African American entrepreneurs who built businesses in the shadow of the derricks.

One powerful narrative centers on the Osage Nation. After oil was discovered beneath their reservation in the 1920s, individual Osage members became among the wealthiest people in the world. The museum displays original Osage headrights—legal documents granting ownership of oil royalties—and explains how these rights were exploited through fraud, coercion, and even murder during the “Osage Reign of Terror.” This section is critical for understanding the dark underbelly of the boom: how wealth extraction often came at the cost of human rights.

Equally compelling are the stories of women. While often excluded from the physical labor of drilling, women played vital roles as bookkeepers, supply managers, and community builders. The museum showcases letters from wives who managed households while their husbands were away on rigs, and photographs of women organizing relief efforts during the 1918 flu pandemic, which hit oil camps harder than most urban centers.

5. Explore the Technology and Innovation Section

The technological evolution during the oil boom is astonishing. In this section, the museum displays a progression of drilling equipment—from the cable-tool rigs of the 1890s to the first rotary drills introduced in the 1910s. A large-scale diorama shows the inner workings of a rotary rig, complete with rotating drill bits, mud circulation systems, and blowout preventers. Interactive touchscreens allow you to simulate drilling operations and see how pressure differentials affect well integrity.

Don’t miss the section on refining. Early refineries were rudimentary, often little more than open-air vats where crude was heated to separate components. The museum has reconstructed a 1915 refinery shed with authentic equipment, including fractional distillation columns and copper condensers. Labels explain how kerosene was the primary product at first—used for lamps—until gasoline became valuable with the rise of the automobile. This shift, driven by Henry Ford’s Model T, turned Tulsa into a hub for fuel distribution across the Midwest.

6. Visit the Temporary and Rotating Exhibits

The Tulsa Historical Society regularly curates temporary exhibits that delve into niche aspects of the oil boom. Recent examples include “The Women of the Wildcatter: Female Entrepreneurs in Early Oil,” “Oil and the Great Depression: How Tulsa Survived the Crash,” and “Black Oilmen: African American Ownership in the Tulsa Boom.” These exhibits often feature artifacts never before displayed publicly, such as rare photographs, business licenses, or personal effects of forgotten pioneers.

Check the museum’s website before your visit to see what’s currently on display. Many of these exhibits are developed in partnership with universities, historical societies, and family archives, ensuring scholarly rigor. Some include QR codes linking to extended audio commentary, academic papers, or digitized collections from the University of Oklahoma’s Western History Collection. Take notes or photograph these codes (if permitted) for later research.

7. Attend a Guided Tour or Lecture

While self-guided exploration is valuable, guided tours provide context that transforms passive observation into active learning. The museum offers free daily docent-led tours at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. These are led by trained volunteers—often retired educators, historians, or descendants of oil families—who can answer nuanced questions and share anecdotes not found in exhibit text.

For deeper dives, look for monthly lectures by visiting scholars. Topics might include “The Environmental Legacy of Early Oil Drilling” or “Legal Battles Over Mineral Rights: The Osage vs. the Oil Companies.” These events are typically held in the museum’s auditorium and are open to the public. Even if you arrive after the lecture has begun, you may be able to join the Q&A session. Recordings of past lectures are sometimes posted on the museum’s YouTube channel.

8. Utilize the Museum’s Digital Archive

Even before your visit, begin exploring the Tulsa Historical Society’s digital archive. The online portal hosts over 25,000 digitized items, including 8,000 photographs, 1,200 oral histories, and 3,000 documents related to the oil industry. Search by keyword—“Glen Pool,” “Wildcatter,” “Oil Lease,” “Black Wall Street”—to uncover connections before you arrive. Many items are tagged with geolocation data, allowing you to overlay historical images onto modern maps of Tulsa.

Once at the museum, ask staff for assistance accessing the archive on the in-house terminals. These computers allow you to cross-reference physical exhibits with digital materials. For example, while viewing a 1917 photograph of a derrick in the exhibit, you can pull up the original negative, the photographer’s notes, and a newspaper article from the Tulsa Tribune describing the well’s output. This layered approach deepens comprehension and helps you understand how media shaped public perception of the boom.

9. Take Notes and Create a Personal Learning Journal

Learning oil boom history is not a passive experience. Bring a notebook or use a digital device to record observations, questions, and emotional reactions. Note the contrast between the opulence of oil barons’ mansions and the squalor of labor camps. Jot down quotes from oral histories that resonate with you. After your visit, organize your notes into themes: economic disparity, technological innovation, racial dynamics, environmental impact, or cultural legacy.

Consider creating a “Boom Timeline” in your journal, marking key events: the discovery of Glenn Pool (1905), the formation of the Tulsa Petroleum Exchange (1912), the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre (which occurred amid rising oil wealth), and the 1929 stock market crash. Connect each event to a specific artifact or exhibit you saw. This process transforms your visit from a day trip into a sustained intellectual project.

10. Reflect and Extend Your Learning

When you leave the museum, your learning should not end. Visit the Tulsa City-County Library’s Special Collections, which holds additional oil industry records. Explore the Oklahoma Historical Society’s online database for state-level oil production statistics. Read primary sources like the 1918 book “Oil in Oklahoma” by John W. G. Harkins, or modern scholarly works such as “The Oil Kingdom” by Edward D. Melillo.

Consider writing a short essay, creating a podcast episode, or designing a digital exhibit based on your findings. Share your insights with others—whether in a classroom, online forum, or family gathering. The more you articulate what you’ve learned, the more deeply it becomes embedded in your understanding.

Best Practices

1. Prioritize Depth Over Breadth

The temptation when visiting a museum is to rush through every exhibit. But the oil boom is a complex, layered subject. Instead of trying to see everything, choose one or two themes to explore deeply. Focus on the Osage royalty system, or the rise of oil refineries, or the role of railroads in distribution. Mastering a narrow topic will give you a stronger foundation than skimming dozens of exhibits superficially.

2. Ask Open-Ended Questions

Engage critically with each exhibit. Don’t just accept the labels at face value. Ask: Who created this artifact? For whom was it intended? What perspectives are missing? Why was this story chosen for display? The museum’s staff are trained to encourage inquiry, so don’t hesitate to ask, “What don’t we know about this?” or “Who else was affected by this event?”

3. Compare Past and Present

Draw parallels between early 20th-century oil extraction and today’s energy landscape. How do modern fracking techniques compare to 1910s drilling? What are the environmental consequences then versus now? How has the role of Native land rights evolved? These comparisons make history feel immediate and relevant.

4. Respect Cultural Sensitivity

Many exhibits deal with traumatic histories—especially those involving the Osage Nation and the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. Approach these with humility. Listen more than you speak. Avoid romanticizing the “rags-to-riches” narrative if it ignores systemic exploitation. Recognize that the oil boom enriched some while devastating others.

5. Document Everything Ethically

Photography is generally permitted in public areas, but never use flash near fragile artifacts. Always check signage or ask staff before photographing documents or personal items. If you plan to use images for academic or public projects, inquire about copyright restrictions. Some materials are protected under tribal law or donor agreements.

6. Engage with the Community

Tulsa’s oil history is still alive in its people. Visit local churches, community centers, or cultural festivals where descendants of oil workers gather. Attend a Native American powwow or a Juneteenth celebration in Greenwood. These events often include storytelling that complements—and sometimes challenges—the museum’s official narrative.

7. Avoid Anachronistic Judgments

It’s easy to condemn early oilmen as greedy or exploitative. But historical context matters. In the 1910s, environmental regulations were virtually nonexistent, labor unions were suppressed, and Native land rights were routinely ignored by federal policy. Understanding the mindset of the era—not excusing it—leads to more accurate historical analysis.

8. Keep a Learning Log

After each visit, write a short reflection: What surprised you? What changed your perspective? What would you like to explore next? Over time, this log becomes a personal archive of intellectual growth.

Tools and Resources

1. Tulsa Historical Society & Museum Website

The official website (tulsahistory.org) is your primary resource. It includes exhibit descriptions, event calendars, digital archives, educational guides for teachers, and downloadable PDFs of primary sources. The “Research” tab offers step-by-step instructions for accessing archival materials.

2. Digital Collections Portal

The museum’s online archive at collections.tulsahistory.org hosts searchable databases of photographs, letters, maps, and oral histories. Advanced filters allow you to narrow searches by date, ethnicity, occupation, or location. Many items include transcriptions and scholarly annotations.

3. Oklahoma Historical Society

At okhistory.org, you’ll find state-level data on oil production, legislative records on mineral rights, and digitized newspapers like the Tulsa Daily World. Their “Oklahoma Digital Prairie” project includes over 500,000 historical images and documents.

4. University of Oklahoma Western History Collection

Located in Norman, this collection holds the largest repository of oil industry records in the region. Their online catalog includes personal papers of oil tycoons, corporate ledgers, and engineering blueprints. Many materials are digitized and available remotely.

5. Books and Academic Journals

• The Oil Kingdom: The Rise of the American Petroleum Industry by Edward D. Melillo
• Tulsa: The Making of an Oil Capital by James E. Hines
• Osage Indian Oil: The Reign of Terror and the Rise of Native Wealth by Scott A. Burt
• Black Wall Street: From Riot to Renaissance by Hannibal B. Johnson
• Journal of Oklahoma History (peer-reviewed, available through JSTOR)

6. Documentary Films

• “The Osage Murders” (HBO, 2021) – Based on David Grann’s book, explores the systematic killing of Osage for their oil wealth.
• “Tulsa: The Fire and the Forgotten” (PBS, 2020) – Examines the 1921 massacre and its economic aftermath.
• “Boomtown: The Rise of Tulsa” (Oklahoma Historical Society, 2018) – A 45-minute documentary featuring rare footage and interviews.

7. Mobile Apps and Interactive Tools

The museum’s app, “Tulsa Boom Explorer,” offers GPS-enabled walking tours of historic oil sites. It includes 3D reconstructions of demolished derricks, audio narrations, and quizzes to test your knowledge. Download it before your visit for a richer experience.

8. Educational Kits for Teachers

For educators, the museum provides curriculum-aligned kits on “Energy and Economy in Early Oklahoma.” These include replica artifacts, lesson plans, and primary source packets suitable for middle and high school classrooms.

Real Examples

Example 1: The Glenn Pool Discovery

In 1905, a well drilled by Robert M. Barringer struck oil near the town of Glen Pool. Within two years, over 1,000 wells were operating in the area. The museum displays the original brass valve from that first well, along with a map showing how land values skyrocketed—from $5 per acre to over $10,000. One exhibit features a letter from a farmer who sold his land for $2,000, only to watch his neighbor sell a nearby parcel for $50,000. This example illustrates the chaotic, unpredictable nature of the boom and how it upended traditional social hierarchies.

Example 2: The Rise of the Oil Exchange

In 1912, Tulsa’s oilmen established the Tulsa Petroleum Exchange, modeled after the New York Stock Exchange. The museum has the original trading floor ledger, which records daily prices for crude, kerosene, and “wildcat” shares. One page shows a trader buying shares in a well that had yet to be drilled—speculation at its most extreme. The exchange’s collapse in 1920, after a market crash triggered by overproduction, is documented in newspaper clippings and personal diaries. This example reveals how financial speculation became as central to the boom as physical drilling.

Example 3: The Osage Royalty System

Each Osage headright entitled its holder to an equal share of oil royalties. By 1923, some Osage individuals received over $100,000 annually—equivalent to $1.5 million today. The museum displays a 1921 royalty check signed by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, along with a 1923 death certificate of an Osage woman whose estate was immediately seized by a white guardian. This tragic case led to federal investigations and the eventual prosecution of a criminal ring. This example underscores the intersection of race, law, and capitalism in the oil boom.

Example 4: The Greenwood District and the 1921 Massacre

Greenwood, known as “Black Wall Street,” was one of the most prosperous African American communities in the U.S., fueled in part by oil-related jobs and businesses. The museum has photographs of Black-owned banks, hotels, and theaters, many of which were destroyed during the 1921 massacre. One exhibit contrasts a 1918 ad for a Greenwood oil refinery with a 1922 headline: “Black Business District Reduced to Ashes.” This juxtaposition forces viewers to confront how racial violence was not separate from—but deeply entangled with—economic progress.

Example 5: The Legacy of the Wildcatter

Wildcatters—individuals who drilled for oil on speculation—were the romantic figures of the boom. The museum features the story of Robert L. S. “Bob” T. B. “Buck” Jones, a former railroad worker who mortgaged his home to drill a well on barren land. When it gushed, he became a millionaire overnight. His oil-soaked boots, worn hat, and a letter to his sister—“I never thought I’d live to see this day”—are displayed as symbols of the American dream. But the exhibit also notes that 9 out of 10 wildcatters lost everything. This duality captures the essence of the boom: immense reward, crushing risk.

FAQs

Do I need to book a tour in advance?

General admission is walk-in, but guided tours and research center access require reservations. Book at least 48 hours ahead via the museum’s website.

Is the museum accessible for visitors with disabilities?

Yes. The museum is fully ADA-compliant with ramps, elevators, and tactile exhibits for visually impaired visitors. Audio guides and large-print materials are available upon request.

Can I bring children? Are there kid-friendly activities?

Absolutely. The museum offers a “Boom Kids” interactive zone with replica drilling tools, a “Build Your Own Derrick” puzzle, and a scavenger hunt based on oil-related artifacts. Educational worksheets are available at the front desk.

Are there any restrictions on photography?

Photography is allowed in most areas without flash. However, some fragile documents and loaned artifacts may have restrictions. Always check signage or ask staff.

How long should I plan to spend at the museum?

Most visitors spend 2–3 hours. If you’re doing deep research or attending a lecture, allow 4–5 hours.

Can I access the archives remotely?

Yes. Over 80% of the museum’s archival collection is digitized and available at collections.tulsahistory.org. In-person access is required for original documents not yet digitized.

Is there a gift shop? What kind of items do they sell?

The museum shop offers books, replica tools, historical maps, and children’s educational kits. Proceeds support preservation efforts. Avoid commercial souvenirs—everything is historically accurate and locally produced.

How does the museum handle controversial history?

The museum is transparent. Exhibits on racial violence, exploitation of Native lands, and environmental damage are presented with primary sources, scholarly context, and multiple perspectives. No attempt is made to sanitize the past.

Are there volunteer opportunities for those interested in oil history?

Yes. Volunteers assist with archiving, tour guiding, and educational programming. Training is provided. Apply through the museum’s website under “Get Involved.”

What’s the best time of year to visit?

Spring (April–May) and fall (September–October) offer mild weather and fewer crowds. Summer can be hot and busy, while winter hours are reduced.

Conclusion

Learning oil boom history at the Tulsa Historical Society & Museum is more than visiting a building filled with old tools and faded photographs. It is an immersive encounter with the forces that reshaped a nation—the ambition, the greed, the innovation, the injustice, and the resilience that defined an era. By following this guide, you move beyond passive observation to become an active interpreter of history. You learn not just what happened, but why it mattered, who it affected, and how its echoes still reverberate in today’s energy debates, economic disparities, and cultural landscapes.

The oil boom was not a singular event but a cascade of human decisions—some visionary, some cruel, all consequential. The museum does not glorify it; it interrogates it. And in doing so, it offers a model for how history should be taught: honestly, deeply, and with unwavering respect for the complexity of the human story.

Whether you are a student, a researcher, a curious traveler, or simply someone who wants to understand how America became the world’s largest energy producer, your journey begins here. Walk through the doors of the Tulsa Historical Society & Museum not as a spectator, but as a seeker. Take notes. Ask questions. Listen to the voices from the past. And carry their lessons forward—not as relics of a bygone age, but as vital truths that continue to shape our world.