Envronmental Heritage - PHMC Launches Year-Long Campaign Reflecting On Energy History, Effects on State

One hundred and fifty years after Edwin Drake drilled the first successful oil well in Titusville, Venango County, the Commonwealth is reflecting on its important role in fueling the nation as part of a year-long public education campaign by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.

 

According to the commission’s executive director, Barbara Franco, the 2009 public awareness initiative theme—Energy: Innovation and Impact—offers an opportunity to look back on how Pennsylvania evolved from a leader in the production of oil, gas and coal to a pioneer in developing and deploying alternative and renewable energy sources and conserving energy.

 

“By examining the history of energy, we can better understand how choices made in the past have affected the present,” said Franco. “Just as important is examining how the decisions we make today hold consequences for tomorrow. This year’s theme looks back on Pennsylvania’s history of powering America and helping it become a global superpower, while also looking ahead to see how we’re putting innovative and clean technologies work in pursuit of energy independence.”

 

This year’s campaign will include:

 

-- A new public exhibit entitled “A Drop of Oil in Your Life” at the Drake Well Museum in Titusville, a National Historic Landmark;

 

-- Exhibits at the State Museum of Pennsylvania in Harrisburg featuring “Oil 150,” sponsored by the Oil

 

-- Region Heritage Alliance and the Pennsylvania Humanities Council; a special self-guided “Energy Tour” of the Hall of Industry and Technology, sponsored in part by Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania; and a photo essay on Pennsylvania’s Wind Turbines opening in November 2009;

 

-- An Energy Trail of History tour, featuring energy/industry-related sites and state historic markers; and

 

-- An energy-related website and blog where the public can share information on energy history and news;

 

Educational presentations by professional PHMC staff on “Energy: Innovation and Impact” at professional association conferences.