Oil and Gas Museum

05/26/2026

Blue and Gray Days, a Civil War encampment and reenactment, is coming to Henderson Hall.

The June Backyard Shindig kicks off the weekend on June 18, 7 p.m., featuring Stephen Ball and the music of the Civil War era. Learn more about Goober Peas and many other classics you might not know were inspired by the war.

The encampment gets set up Friday, June 19 with full days of activities on June 20 and 21. Battles, cannons, an anti-tea party and lots of vendors of historic artifacts.

Save these dates and follow up for more details.

05/26/2026

Check out our new summer window at the W.H. Smith Hardware Store. Thank you Jessica Carpenter for helping us Celebrate Independence and the 250th Anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

We love the oil derrick spouting fireworks to join the celebrations.

05/25/2026

05/23/2026

Yes we are open today and tomorrow.

05/19/2026

🎉 Celebrate 65 years of WVU Parkersburg with an afternoon full of blue, gold and community spirit at Raising the Blues (and Gold)! 💙💛

Join us June 20 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Innovation & Technology Center for a free, family-friendly picnic featuring music, games, food trucks, campus tours and birthday cake. Whether you’re reconnecting with WVU Parkersburg, exploring our newest space or simply looking for a fun afternoon with the community, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Alumni, students, faculty, staff and community members are all invited to help us celebrate this special milestone together. We can’t wait to celebrate with you!

05/15/2026

Have you gotten tickets to the popular Downton Abbey Tea at Henderson Hall? Based on the British historical drama series, this afternoon event invites you to come wearing your favorite costume to enjoy tea and traditional English treats, games of croquet, raffles, and other games and activities!

Tickets are $30
Get your tickets now at https://swipesimple.com/links/lnk_c478e3d856791d498ed1ade03f9e6c29?fbclid=IwY2xjawRh4-VleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETE1MGNONlNHQnU0WHdVMnE0c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHiIeS3HR1hP_VHaReoQ6O6bjYZ8xRjpHwaQXJ8iMBd4gMAT0h5N0iXMa8lEc_aem_RnRw8ves4t9-NjhiqA2Q2g

05/14/2026

05/14/2026

The 1854 fire fighting wagon, a hand operated water pumper once used by the City of Parkersburg, was loaned to Local 91 today. It is the first time it has left the W. H. Smith hardware store since it was put on display there more than 30 years ago.

The antique is on display this weekend at the Professional Firefighters of West Virginia's annual conference being held at the Center on Market.

The wagon and other antique fire fighting equipment is on display at the Oil and Gas Museum inside the hardware store. It was discovered by Gary Traugh in an old downtown building. Gary paid for it and paid to have it restored. It is permanently displayed at the museum.

Special thanks to Mike Pfifer who helped move the antique using one of the Pfifer Towing and Recovery trucks.