ACAF Grant Benefits Pioneer Oil Museum

ACAF • December 5, 2019

(Oct 2019) The Allegany County Area Foundation recently presented a $1000 grant to the Pioneer Oil Museum. This support came from ACAF’s Allegany Fund, which supports a variety of Allegany County non-profit organizations

Bolivar Pioneer Oil Museum timeline

The Foundation funds were used to help pay for the museum’s timeline display ‘Oil! Gushers and Dusters’ (see photo) which chronicles the history of oil exploration in the state. The display can be found in the museum’s Main Street building, which features a variety of artifacts and photos and has been re-painted and re-organized for an improved visitor experience.

In addition to the Main Street center, the Pioneer Oil Museum owns the nearby former Hahn & Schaffner Complex and the former Pittsburg, Shawmut and Northern Railroad depot. The Museum has renovated its Shaner and Joyce Exhibition Buildings, which between them house a collection of historic oil field equipment, a section of an old powerhouse, and a collection of soon-to-be-working equipment from the Bolivar and Bradford oil fields.

“The history of Allegany County and the oil industry are on display at the Pioneer Oil Museum,” notes ACAF executive director Bruce Campbell. “The Foundation is really pleased to support this project.”

Hannah Bennett, Ardent Solutions’ First Step Family Resource Center Specialist, placing Dolly Parton
By Alyssa Bump September 23, 2026
First Leverage Fund Award provides local match to expand early literacy opportunities for children across Allegany County.
Josiah Howard.
By Alyssa Bump September 21, 2026
Senior data science and mathematics major will use local data to help ACAF better understand community needs.
Cuba Circulating Library in Cuba, NY.
By Alyssa Bump August 31, 2026
Five grants will expand access to career training, educational programs, and community resources across Allegany County.
Allegany County Area Foundation logo with bridge and flowers, reading “A Bridge to the Future” and “Awards Over $380,000 to Local Students”
By Alyssa Bump July 30, 2026
More than 200 students will receive ACAF support for pursuing higher education and career training.
Show More