Many young people are likely unfamiliar with equipment like oil rigs and the local history of the petroleum industry.

If they visit the second annual Derrick Day at the Penn Bradford Oil Museum grounds from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 16, they’re sure to gain a lot of knowledge.

They’ll see everything from tool-dressing demonstrations and antique restored oil engines at 901 South Ave. near Bradford.

“It’s our heritage, and people need to know what it is all about,” said Susan Perry, president of the board of directors.

Oil in Bradford harkens back to 1871, when a well was drilled at 1,110 feet. According to oil history from the American Refining Group, that well produced 10 barrels a day, 42 gallons per barrel.

The oil boom arrived in Bradford in 1875, with wells producing 75 to 200 barrels a day. And oil continues to be part of Bradford’s culture today, with the oldest producing oil well outside of the McDonald’s still in operation.

At the Derrick Day, two people will give a demonstration on tool dressing. The process involves preparing a drill bit to the right size to drill for oil. 

A demonstration is also planned with five or six antique restored engines that were used in the oil fields. 

Also planned for the event is a display on nitroglycerin, an explosive used for shooting wells.

Oil industry veterans will also share tales. Visitors will be to tour the Penn Bradford Oil Museum.

Children will also be able to play games, such as knocking bottles over. Food will also be available at Derrick Day.

About 700 people attended the event last year, and Perry is hoping for an even larger turnout on Aug. 16.

“There’s something for everybody — the kids, too,” she said.

The mission of the Penn Brad Oil Museum is to preserve the philosophy, the spirit, and the accomplishments of an oil country community by taking visitors back to the early oil boom times of the first billion dollar oil field.

For more information, call the Penn Brad Oil Museum at 814-362-1955.