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 Established in 1986 by a small group of Shell retirees, the
wood River Refinery History Museum (formerly the Shell History Museum)
offers a visual history of the Shell Wood River refinery from its beginning in
1917 to the present. With over 1,000 artifacts, early photographs, including
vintage gasoline dispensers, glass motor oil bottles, Shell product advertising,
and other memorabilia, the museum tells the story of the achievements of the
Shell people and the impact of the refinery on neighboring communities. There
are many exhibits in the museum including a look at each of the decades from the
1920's to the present, experimentation and product development, safety, and
marketing. One of the centerpieces of the museum is the modified 1924 Chevrolet
that was the Marathon Record Holder from 1952-1966.
The museum located in a building complex that once housed research laboratories.
Originally, the museum was located in a trailer, but since 1993 has been housed
in the old diagnostic center. The two buildings south of the museum are the
garage and the cold room. The cold room was designed to simulate all types of
temperature and humidity conditions. These two buildings are under renovation to
become part of the museum. Probably the most significant benefit from the
research done in these buildings was the improvement of super low lead gasoline
introduced in the early 1970s.
Visiting the Wood River Refinery History Museum
Open 10 am - 4 pm on Wednesdays and Thursdays except for holidays
To arrange group tours please call 618-255-3718 in
advance
There is no charge to visit the Wood River
Refinery History
Museum, although donations are appreciated.
Directions: The Wood River Refinery History Museum
is located at IL-111 and Madison Avenue in Roxana just north of the refinery
main entrance along the outer road.
 Learn
more about the Wood River area.
Wood River
Refinery History Museum
- site maintained by the museum
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