Local artist Rex Rosenberg recently donated a photograph to the Kansas Oil and Gas Museum in commemoration of his father, Verlyn (V.E.) Rosenberg. V.E. passed away in 2004 and has been nominated for candidacy into the museum’s Hall of Fame of oil industry professionals.
“Rex took the photograph of the derrick in a breathtaking nightscape, and had it professionally mounted and framed,” Kansas Oil & Gas Museum Executive Director Danielle Feist said. “He then contributed the piece of art to the museum where it now hangs in the main building as a permanent object in the collection.”
According to Feist, many objects find their way to the museum, and not all can be added to the collection.
“Several factors are considered in adding objects, including storage space, preservation needs, or duplication,” Feist said. “If an object aligns to our mission 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, then we accept it into our permanent collection.”
In the case of this object, it allows the museum to interpret the cultural significance of the industry to the community. The object also allows the museum to tell a very specific story of V.E. and his experience in a career that spanned more than four decades.
“V.E. began his career in 1951, when he moved his family to Great Bend and began working for Bell Engine Service,” Feist said. “He would later start R&S Engine Service and B&R Oil Company. V.E. was an inventor, a sharp businessman, a hard worker and a risk taker. All characteristics of an interesting fellow with an engaging story for our community to connect with.”
The contribution of this art object is just one of many ways the museum is looking for people to get involved. The Kansas Oil & Gas Museum is a private, non-profit organization. The museum is free to the public and happily accepts contributions of funds, volunteer hours and objects to promote and grow the organization.
For more information on how to get involved with the museum, call 620-793-8301 or email Feist at dfeist@ksoilandgasmuseum.org.