GREAT BEND, Kan. — The story of a community is told not only through its people, but through the places that preserve its history and continue finding new ways to serve future generations. That story gained another chapter as the Kansas Oil & Gas Museum celebrated the completion of the new Tom & Carol Larson Event Center, expanding both its educational mission and its role as a gathering place for the community.
While the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce recently joined museum leaders, supporters, and community partners for a ribbon-cutting celebrating the expansion, the milestone represents far more than the opening of a new building. It reflects decades of local investment, volunteer leadership, and a shared commitment to preserving one of Kansas’ most significant industries while creating new opportunities for community engagement.
Founded in 1990 by individuals determined to preserve the rich history of Kansas’ oil and gas industry, the museum has spent more than three decades documenting the people, innovations, and discoveries that helped shape Barton County and much of the state. Visitors can explore every phase of oil and gas production—from geology and drilling to refining and manufacturing—while also touring the Kansas Oil & Gas Hall of Fame, which now recognizes 109 industry pioneers whose contributions helped fuel generations of economic growth.
The museum’s newest addition, the Tom & Carol Larson Event Center, expands that mission beyond traditional exhibits. Created in response to a growing community need for event space, the new facility allows the museum to host weddings, meetings, educational programs, safety trainings, community gatherings, and other special events while generating additional support for the museum’s long-term sustainability.
During the celebration, museum leaders reflected on the organization’s journey, including rebuilding after the original facility was lost following severe storm damage in 2023. Rather than simply replacing what had been lost, the board chose to invest in a modern facility designed to better serve both visitors and the community for years to come.
The project itself became a showcase of local collaboration. Architects, contractors, electricians, flooring specialists, sign companies, financial institutions, and numerous other local businesses contributed their expertise to bring the vision to life. Museum leaders also recognized the many volunteers and board members whose dedication made the expansion possible.
Executive Director Dee Volpert said the museum exists to ensure future generations understand the importance of an industry that helped build Kansas.
“Our mission is to collect and preserve the cultural heritage of the local oil and gas industry and interpret its history through innovative, educational experiences for the present and future generations,” Volpert said.
Each year, approximately 1,500 visitors tour the museum, including guests from across Kansas and neighboring states such as Missouri and Oklahoma. Beyond preserving history, those visitors contribute to local tourism, support area businesses, and help strengthen Great Bend’s identity as a destination for education and heritage travel.
The museum’s continued investment aligns closely with the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce’s Elevate GBK Beyond Today strategic plan, particularly its focus on Business & Community Marketing and creating a vibrant community that attracts visitors, supports local businesses, and celebrates the assets that make Barton County unique. Projects like the Tom & Carol Larson Event Center demonstrate how preserving history and investing in community infrastructure can work together to strengthen quality of place while creating new opportunities for economic activity.
The ribbon cutting served as a celebration of a new building, but perhaps more importantly, it celebrated the people whose vision and generosity continue to ensure Kansas’ energy heritage remains accessible, educational, and relevant for generations to come.
About the Kansas Oil & Gas Museum
The Kansas Oil & Gas Museum is located at 5944 W. 10th Street in Great Bend. The museum offers educational exhibits covering the history of the oil and gas industry, the Kansas Oil & Gas Hall of Fame, and rental spaces for meetings, weddings, and community events. Tours can often be arranged with approximately 20 minutes’ notice.
For more information, call 620-793-8301, email [email protected], or visit the museum on Facebook.
