Texas Oil and Gas Association members award the Bullock Museum with donations for new exhibition

FEBRUARY 12, 2018 (AUSTIN, TX) — With donations totaling $500,000 made possible by members of the Texas Oil and Gas Association (TXOGA), the Bullock Texas State History Museum plans to renovate and expand an existing oil and gas section of its third floor Texas History Gallery. The new installation, which highlights Texas's role at the forefront of oil and gas technology and innovation, is slated to be unveiled at TXOGA'S 100-year anniversary celebration in October 2019 and will revitalize the historic narrative in the gallery to bring it into the 21st century.

“Oil and natural gas powers lives and communities today and has long been an integral part of the legacy of the Lone Star State,” said Todd Staples, president of the Texas Oil & Gas Association. "Our membership is proud to have this opportunity to showcase the tremendous impact the Texas oil and natural gas industry has had on Texans. The exhibit will provide a bold look forward at the impressive ingenuity and leadership Texans provide for the future of energy development.”

The expanded 1,500-square-foot installation area will showcase prominent artifacts related to the oil and gas industries of Texas and the latest scientific research. Primary topics of the exhibition will investigate the early history of crude oil usage, economic changes brought to the region by the discovery of oil and mining of natural gas, the process from refinement to final consumer products, the use of petroleum in the military, corporate responsibility and impact, and the future of oil and gas as new technologies emerge.

Interpretation related to science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) and interactive multimedia experiences will further create an engaging and relevant experience for Museum visitors of all ages. Additionally, the Museum plans to expand its web site to feature the permanent gallery and key artifacts on view, producing a new Texas Story Project video to highlight the history of the industry as seen through the first-person narratives of key individuals.

"We're grateful for the generosity of the TXOGA members who've contributed funds for the redesign and expansion of this historic narrative in our long-term gallery," said Bullock Museum Interim Director Margaret Koch. "When completed, visitors of all ages will be able to engage in a more dynamic, comprehensive, and interactive experience tracing the impact of the petroleum and gas industries from the early years into 21st century Texas."

Founded in 1919, TXOGA is a statewide trade association representing every facet of the Texas oil and gas industry with approximately 5,000 members. TXOGA members providing support for the new exhibition include Concho Resources, Inc., Pioneer Natural Resource Company, EOG Resources, Chevron, ExxonMobil Corporation, QEP Resources, Inc., Energy Transfer Partners, Encana Oil & Gas(USA), Inc., and Marathon Oil Company.

Texas on the Forefront of Oil and Gas Technology is set to open in October 2019. For more information, visit TheStoryofTexas.com or call (512)936-8746.

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​​The Bullock Texas State History Museum, a division of the State Preservation Board and an accredited institution of the American Alliance of Museums, creates experiences that educate, engage, and encourage a deeper understanding of Texas. With dynamic, award-winning exhibitions that illuminate Texas history, people, and culture, educational programming for all ages, and an IMAX® theater with a screen the size of Texas, the Museum collaborates with more than 700 museums, libraries, archives, organizations, and individuals across the world to bring the Story of Texas to life. For more information, visit www.TheStoryofTexas.com or call (866)369-7108.