Route 111 and Madison
Roxana, Illinois
618-255-3718

Established in 1986 by a small group of refinery retirees, the Wood River Refinery History Museum (formerly the Shell History Museum) offers a visual history of the 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.