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.
Read More ›
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.
Read More ›
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.
Read More ›
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.
Read More ›
Be Part of the Process
The Oil Region Alliance is working with a consultanting firm to develop a Strategic Plan to steer our focus and future activities.
The public is invited to participate in a virtual workshop Tuesday, October 27 at 9 a.m. Breakout groups will focus on one of three topics: 1) organization and management of the Oil Region National Heritage Area, 2) interpretation and preservation within the region, and 3) tourism development.
Please contact Jenn Burden, Oil Region Alliance Heritage Program Manager, at jburden@oilregion.org to register for the workshop and note with which breakout group topic you would like to work. You will be emailed a link to the Zoom meeting prior to Tuesday.
A concept plan will be presented via Zoom Thursday, October 29 at 5 p.m. All are welcome to attend. Request a link by e-mailing jburden@oilregion.org.
Read More
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.
Read MoreOnline Store
We have a wide variety of books, gifts, and gear for anyone who is interested in the Oil Region.
Visit StoreSign up for updates
Get news from the Oil Region in your inbox.