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Texas Energy Museum facts for kids

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Texas Energy Museum
A colo photograph of a building with the words "TEXAS ENERGY MUSEUM" affixed to the front
The museum in 2024
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Established 1987
Location 600 Main Street, Beaumont, Texas 77701
Type Technology museum
Collection size Petroleum technology artifacts - 2,000 items
Geology and paleontology specimens - 250
Petroleum well service equipment - 20 items
Petroleum exploration equipment - 200 items
Household items - 2,000
Research papers relating to Southeast Texas oilfields including Spindletop
Spindletop Oilfield photographs (1901-1902) - 87 images
Public transit access BMTS
Route #6 (Refinery)
Route #7 (South Park)
Route #8 (Pear Orchard)
Nearest parking Free, adjacent to museum

The Texas Energy Museum is a special museum in Beaumont, Texas, that tells the amazing story of oil. It opened on January 10, 1990, to celebrate the anniversary of a famous oil discovery called the Spindletop gusher. The museum uses cool exhibits, including talking robots, to teach visitors about energy.

This museum is located in downtown Beaumont, close to other fun places. Nearby, you can find the Art Museum of Southeast Texas and the Edison Museum. This makes it a great area to spend a day learning and exploring.

What's Inside the Museum?

Men of Vision -- Energy Museum -- Beaumont, Texas
A statue called "Men of Vision" at the museum honors the people who discovered oil at Spindletop.

The museum has two floors filled with exciting displays. These exhibits are interactive, which means you can touch and play with them to learn. They focus on the science, history, and technology of finding and using oil.

A big part of the museum is dedicated to the story of Spindletop. This was a huge oil discovery in 1901 that changed Texas and the world forever. The museum's collections come from two other museums, the Spindletop Museum of Lamar University and the Western Company of North America Museum.

Journey Through the World of Oil

The exhibits guide you through the entire process of how we get and use oil. You can learn about:

  • How Oil is Made: Discover how oil was formed from ancient plants and animals millions of years ago.
  • Finding Oil: See how scientists, called petroleum geologists, study rocks to find places where oil might be hidden deep underground.
  • Drilling for Oil: Learn about the powerful machines and tools used to drill oil wells.
  • Refining Oil: Find out how crude oil from the ground is turned into useful things like gasoline for cars and plastic for toys.
  • The Spindletop Story: Hear the exciting tale of how the discovery of oil at Spindletop started the Texas oil boom.

Planning Your Visit

If you want to visit the Texas Energy Museum, here is what you need to know.

Hours

  • Tuesday to Saturday: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
  • Sunday: 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM
  • The museum is closed on Mondays.

Admission Price

  • Adults: $5.00
  • Seniors (65 and older): $3.00
  • Children (ages 6-12): $3.00

See Also

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Texas Energy Museum Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.