Pennsylvania Launches Year-Long Campaign Reflecting on Energy History, Effects on...

Pennsylvania Launches Year-Long Campaign Reflecting on Energy History, Effects
on State

"Energy: Innovation and Impact" Theme Focuses on State's History of Powering
America

HARRISBURG, Pa., March 30 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- One hundred and fifty
years after Edwin Drake drilled the first successful oil well in Titusville,
Venango County, the commonwealth is reflecting on its important role in
fueling the nation as part of a year-long public education campaign by the
Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.

According to the commission's executive director, Barbara Franco, the 2009
public awareness initiative theme -- Energy: Innovation and Impact -- offers
an opportunity to look back on how Pennsylvania evolved from a leader in the
production of oil, gas and coal to a pioneer in developing and deploying
alternative and renewable energy sources and conserving energy.

"By examining the history of energy, we can better understand how choices made
in the past have affected the present," said Franco. "Just as important is
examining how the decisions we make today hold consequences for tomorrow. This
year's theme looks back on Pennsylvania's history of powering America and
helping it become a global superpower, while also looking ahead to see how
we're putting innovative and clean technologies work in pursuit of energy
independence."

This year's campaign will include:
-- A new public exhibit entitled "A Drop of Oil in Your Life" at
the Drake Well Museum in Titusville, a National Historic Landmark;
-- Exhibits at the State Museum of Pennsylvania in Harrisburg featuring
"Oil 150," sponsored by the Oil Region Heritage Alliance and
the Pennsylvania Humanities Council; a special self-guided "Energy
Tour" of the Hall of Industry and Technology, sponsored in part by
Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania; and a photo essay on Pennsylvania's
Wind Turbines opening in November 2009;
-- An Energy Trail of History(TM) tour, featuring energy/industry-related
sites and state historic markers;
-- An energy-related Web site and blog where the public can share
information on energy history and news;

-- Educational presentations by professional PHMC staff on "Energy:
Innovation and Impact" at professional association conferences.

For additional information on "Energy: Innovation and Impact," visit
www.PHMC.state.pa.us.

CONTACT: Kirk Wilson
(717) 783-9882

SOURCE Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission

Kirk Wilson of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission,
+1-717-783-9882