Oil Region National Heritage Area
The Valley that Changed the World
Past, Present and Future
Pennsylvania’s Oil Region is rich with history.
It was within the Oil Region that, in 1859, “Colonel” Edwin Drake drilled the world’s first commercial oil well, initiating a chain of events that literally changed the world.
But that’s our history.
Welcome to the future — your future. Welcome to the Oil Region. Whether you’re considering a visit, setting up shop, a permanent move, catching up with your hometown or brushing up on history, we have the information you need.
The Alliance
The Oil Region Alliance manages the assets of the federally designated Oil Region National Heritage Area, which spans all of Venango County eastern Crawford County.
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Tourism
Museums, lively local arts, brew pubs, shops, and a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities mean the Oil Region has something for everyone in every season.
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History and Heritage
The Oil Region Alliance has been preserving and promoting the history and heritage of this area since its designation as an official PA Heritage Area in 1994 and a National Heritage Area since 2004.
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Economic Development
With a certified economic developer at the helm and decades of traditional and non-traditional economic development, the Oil Region Alliance actively works to attract new industry and assist existing companies to expand.
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Be Part of the Process
Your feedback is important to us!
Do you have a favorite thing about the Oil Region? Nominate it for our inaugural Tourism Awards!
E-mail nominations for any or all of the following categories (Best Dish, Best Drink, Best Room, Best Shop, Best Industry Advocate, Best Industry Partner/Organization, Best Must Do Activity or Attraction, Best Must See Landmark) to ealtomare@oilregion.org by May 31, 2021. Voting will run June 21 through August 31. Winners will be announced at the Oil Region Alliance annual meeting in September.
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Thanks to those who participated in the development of our new Strategic Plan, which will steer our focus and future activities. Download the Executive Summary below or request the full document by e-mailing jburden@oilregion.org.
ORNHA Strategic Plan 2021 Exec Summary
Oil Region Alliance
Our mission
The mission of the Oil Region Alliance of Business, Industry & Tourism is to manage the Oil Region National Heritage Area and to increase the prosperity of the Oil Region by enticing all people to live, work, learn and play in “the Valley that Changed the World” through the preservation, promotion, development, and support of historical, educational, natural, recreational, residential, commercial and industrial destinations.
Quality of Life
The Oil Region has a quality of life that is second to none.
A natural setting of breathtaking beauty, high quality schools, abundant cultural activities and proximity to some of the nation’s great urban centers: all of this is available at a very favorable cost of living, much less than surrounding and competitive areas.
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We have a wide variety of books, gifts, and gear for anyone who is interested in the Oil Region.
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