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Welcome

Use music controls below to listen to some old time music - "12th Street Rag"


Pioneer Oil Museum on Main Street
Mission Statement

The Pioneer Oil Museum of New York, Inc., believing that knowledge and understanding of the local oil and gas industries are vital to the heritage of this area, will preserve the history and legacy of these businesses. The museum will act as a repository for significant artifacts used throughout Allegany and Cattaraugus Counties. The museum will house in a readily central location, articles and information of historical value or interest pertaining to these industries. It will accumulate and display materials relevant to the local industries. Realizing that the success and operations of the local fields were not possible without a dedicated workforce, the museum will honor the men who were pioneers in these endeavors. The museum will provide educational resources for local schools and colleges, as well as a research facility for any persons involved in investigations of these industries.

Below are links to two brochures about Bolivar and the Pioneer Oil Museum.
Bolivar brochure Museum brochure

Did you know the author of "The Wizard of Oz" was a former resident of Richburg, NY? Here is a link to TV station WGRZ with the story

Here is anothert great story from WGRZ Unknown Stories of WNY: Oil Boom Towns of Allegany County

2024 Wall of Fame Induction Ceremonies

This year’s inductees are Dick Smith, Jim Euken, Dean Phillips, and J.F. (Dutch) Dunning. The public is invited to attend.

Induction ceremonies will take place on Friday, June 28, 2024 at 6:00 at the Hahn & Schaffner Site immediately before the wine and cheese tasting.

Wine and Cheese tasting

The Pioneer Oil Museum of New York, in conjunction with the Bolivar Community Improvement Club, will hold a wine, cheese, and hors d’oeuvre tasting immediately after the induction ceremonies at the museum from 6:30-8:00.
This event is a major fund-raiser for both organizations.
A variety of wines and hard ciders from different New York State wineries will be available for sampling. Empire Cheese and Cuba Cheese Shoppe have agreed to donate several kinds of cheeses. Other foods will be provided by members of the Community Improvement Club and Board of Directors of the museum.
Tickets are available at the following costs: $20 - Single Ticket
Tickets may be purchased in one of the following ways:

  • Stopping at the Bolivar Free Library during regular hours
  • Writing to the museum at the address below


Hours of Operation

August 29 - August 31
Thursday from 1:00 P.M. till 4:00 P.M.
Friday from 1:00 P.M. till 4:00 P.M.
Saturday Noon till 3:00 P.M.
Off-season tours can still be arranged by calling the museum (585-610-2038) and leaving a message. We hope to see you one of those days, and thanks for your support.