| At the brink of emerging mainstream "green" energy and alternate sources of fuel for transportation, households, and industry, Olinda Oil Museum and Trail is situated to allow interpretation and acceptance of the past, both of Native American use and the century of major oil extraction, and to move into the future. The research in this thesis presents a comprehensive history of the site, relevant conservation and curation science, an ethnography of docents at the Olinda Oil Museum, and a docent handbook. This small museum has the potential to become an archival center, and provide opportunities for local, regional, and State visitors to connect with this crucial part of California's history, the era of "Black Gold." For docents, the focus is to facilitate learning in a question-rich environment, with cultural sensitivity. |
