50th Celebrations
Fueling the Future: the Petroleum Museum Celebrates 50 Years of Innovation, Education, and Community
$50 for 50 Years: Support the Museum’s Permanent Endowment Campaign
Flashback to 1975! Oil was $7.75 a barrel, gas was 44¢ a gallon, and disco fever was just heating up. That same year, President Gerald Ford came to Midland to mark the grand opening of the Permian Basin Petroleum Museum, and we’ve been telling the story of energy and innovation ever since.
Fast forward 50 years, and in 2025 we’re celebrating the Museum’s golden anniversary! From booms to breakthroughs, we’ve educated and inspired generations of visitors. Now, we’re looking ahead and we need your help.
In honor of our 50th anniversary, we’re asking supporters to give $50 for 50 Years, just one dollar for every year of innovation, dedication, and discovery. Your gift will go directly to our Permanent Endowment Fund, helping ensure the Museum continues to thrive for decades to come.
Make your donation in honor or memory of someone who’s inspired you. Every dollar helps us preserve the past, celebrate the present, and fuel the future.
Give today and keep the story going!
Questions? Contact Luanne Thornton at 432-683-4403 or lthornton@petroleummuseum.org.
Celebrating 50 Years with Throwback Admission Prices!
As part of our year-long 50th Anniversary celebration, we’re bringing back 1975 admission prices every second Saturday of the month! Visit us on Retro Rate Days and enjoy all the Museum has to offer for just $1.00 for adults and 50¢ for kids. Explore our dynamic exhibits, discover the fascinating story of petroleum, and experience the history of the Permian Basin at a price that’s truly a blast from the past.
Retro Rate Days are a perfect opportunity to reconnect with the Museum, introduce someone new, or enjoy a fun and affordable outing with the whole family. This special offer is our way of saying thank you to the community that has supported us for fifty incredible years.
The Petroleum Museum’s Golden Birthday Bash: Celebrating 50 Years of Energy, Education and Community
Saturday, September 13 | 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. | Free Admission
This fall, the Petroleum Museum is throwing the ultimate birthday bash, and you’re invited! On Saturday, September 13, we’re celebrating 50 years of energy education, innovation, and community connection with our Golden Birthday Bash, a daylong festival packed with family fun, amazing activities, and free admission for all. This is more than a celebration – it’s a thank-you to the Permian Basin community that has supported the Museum for half a century. Visitors of all ages can enjoy our interactive exhibits that showcase the power of STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math). Kids can explore big ideas in exciting ways while grown-ups relive the Museum’s history, and maybe even learn something new! Expect face painting, food trucks, and more to keep the fun going! Whether you’re a longtime supporter or a first-time visitor, our Golden Birthday Bash is your chance to be part of the story and celebrate a legacy built right here in the Permian Basin. This milestone celebrates a Museum that continues to grow with the times, educating future generations, honoring our heritage, and spotlighting the science and people behind the petroleum industry.
Don’t miss this high-energy celebration of 50 years and the exciting future ahead!
Black Gold Bash: A Night to Celebrate 50 Years of Legacy
Saturday, September 20 | 6:30 p.m. | Sponsorships & Individual Tickets Available
Raise a glass to 50 years of innovation, impact and community at the Black Gold Bash, the Petroleum Museum’s premier anniversary celebration. Join us on the evening of Saturday, September 20 for an elegant night of cocktails, conversation and commemoration as we honor the people and stories that have shaped the Museum. Guests will enjoy a sophisticated evening filled with signature cocktails, heavy hors d’oeuvres, and lively table games, all set in a festive atmosphere that reflects the spirit of the occasion. Mingle with friends and colleagues, raise a glass to five decades of impact, and experience the Museum like never before. In celebration of our golden anniversary, cocktail attire is encouraged, and guests are invited to add a touch of black, gold, or both to their look for an evening that will be as stylish as it is memorable. Whether you’ve been with us since 1975 or just discovered the Museum, this special event is your invitation to be part of a milestone worth remembering. Celebrate with us as we honor the past, enjoy the present, and fuel the future.
Buy your tickets or purchase your sponsorship here.
For sponsorship questions, please contact Luanne Thornton at 432-683-4403 or lthornton@petroleummuseum.org.
