Geological Society
The Petroleum History Museum and Park, during its short lifetime, was established on the Petrotrin compound, at the Pointe-a-Pierre Railway Station (1885) and its surrounding TGR (Trinidad Government Railway) lands.
This project was initiated on June 9, 1999, at the inauguration of the Petrotrin Historical Society (PHS), when Petrotrin president Rodney Jagai donated the railway station and the surrounding land to the society for the sole purpose of restoring the dilapidated building to establish a petroleum history museum there and a historical park on the surrounding TGR Lands.
The society's objectives were aptly encapsulated in its motto: "Preserving the past for the enjoyment of the present and future." The museum became the society's signature project.
The restoration of the 114-year old building was never easy. Work began almost immediately through the voluntary efforts of PHS members, friends and families. The PHS membership at the time comprised employees and retirees of Petrotrin. The work was done on weekends on small funds provided by membership dues, donations and PHS fundraisers.
[caption id="attachment_908186" align="alignnone" width="1024"] The restored teak station master house, 2009. Photo courtesy the Geological Society -[/caption]
By 2002, the first voluntary renovation phase – mainly painting and landscaping – was completed. Though visually appealing, the building still needed substantial work for conversion to a museum. Nevertheless, it was a proud accomplishment for PHS members, and guided tours of the site were possible by phone appointment.
To better pursue its objectives, the society became incorporated as a non-profit organisation and changed its name to the Petroleum Historical Society of TT (PHS) in March 2002, adopting greater responsibility for all aspects of TT's petroleum heritage.
By this time, apart from the museum project, the society was actively engaged in many ongoing petroleum heritage activities that have added value to our historical patrimony.
By 2007 the historical park had evolved into a spectacular exhibit, with many unique artefacts moved from oilfields across the petroleum sector. In contrast, the railway station had started reverting to its former dilapidated state, plagued by the elements and age-old structural issues.
A quantum increase in funding was needed to resolve these issues and make the building safe for museum operations. The society therefore reached out to the petroleum sector for financial assistance and discussions were initiated with the major energy companies.
[caption id="attachment_908189" align="alignnone" width="1024"] The Petroleum Historical Society Historical Park with restored artifacts transported from oilfields across the wide expanse of TT's petroleum sector. Photo courtesy the Geological Society -[/caption]
The following year, 2008, marked a major milestone in TT's history – 100 years of commercial oil production. To celebrate this milestone, the PNM government made grand plans. As if by providen
