About Us

The Oil Museum of Canada, National Historic Site is a non-profit museum, owned and operated by the County of Lambton. We preserve the site of the very first commercial oil well of North America, dug by James Miller Williams in 1858. The Museum opened in 1960, learn more about our story.

The Oil Museum of Canada is a National Historic Site and made up of seven buildings situated on 10 acres of land. Four of our buildings are historic structures and two have Ontario Heritage Designations. Our main building is open year round and our outbuildings are open from May to October. Our work is framed through Lambton County Museums Strategic Plan, which establishes a clear vision reflected in the County's needs, assets, constraints, and ambitions.

Our main gallery is open year round. Visitors engage with interactive displays and learn our story through the interpretation of our collection and a 12-minute video. Since our opening in 1960, we have acquired additional structures and buildings to enhance the story of oil heritage at the Museum. The grounds are open from May to October.

To learn more about our exhibitions visit the Ongoing Exhibitions page

During the months of May to October the Oil Museum of Canada, National Historic Site offers a self-directed driving tour. Accompanied by FM radio, it's a great way to end your visit to the Museum.

Careers

The Oil Museum of Canada, National Historic Site is owned and operated by the County of Lambton.  All employment opportunities are posted on the County's Job Board.  We can only accept applications from individuals for specific jobs through the recruitment process outlined on the job board.

Job Board

Renting the Museum

If you have an event coming up and think the Museum will work with your needs, check out our Rentals page.

Our Mission

The Oil Museum of Canada, National Historic Site, tells the story of Lambton County's important contributions to the development of the world's oil industry. Central to the Industrial Heritage Conservation District, the Museum benefits local residents and visitors by increasing their understanding and appreciation of this unique industrial heritage area.

Our Mandate

The Oil Museum of Canada is hereby continued for the purpose of preserving enhancement and presentation of oil heritage, artifacts, culture, and history of the County of Lambton and its surroundings.