West Kern Oil Museum Announces the Development of the West Kern Research Center

Archives of the West Kern Oil Museum Research Center Presented by California Resources Corporation

Taft, CA – March 18, 2025 – The West Kern Oil Museum is thrilled to announce the development of the West Kern Research Center, a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to preserving, digitizing, and making accessible the rich history of Kern County's oil industry. California Resources Corporation (NYSE: CRC) is supporting the West Kern Oil Museum to transform the museum's extensive collection into a searchable digital archive, relocate the library to a more accessible space, and establish a hub for ongoing research and data collection.

The heart of the West Kern Research Center project is the comprehensive digitization and cataloging of the museum's vast collection, including artifacts, photographs, videos, documents, and the Taft Midway Driller newspaper archive. This effort will preserve fragile historical items and make them easily accessible to researchers and the public. The new facility will also house the museum's library, improving accessibility and creating a more integrated research experience by combining digital and physical collections.

Local students from Taft Union High School will play a crucial role in the project through an educational partnership. Students will gain hands-on experience in historical preservation and digital technologies, contributing to the digitization process and conducting oral history interviews with community members. This collaboration will provide valuable learning opportunities and help develop the West Kern Research Center.

Don Maxwell, Board Chair of the West Kern Oil Museum, stated, "The West Kern Research Center represents a significant advancement in our mission to preserve and share the history of Kern County's oil industry. By creating a modern research facility, we can provide an invaluable resource for our community and researchers nationwide."

Francisco Leon, President and CEO of California Resources Corporation, stated: “CRC is proud to support the West Kern Oil Museum and the development of the West Kern Research Center, which will ensure the history of Kern County’s oil industry is preserved for future generations. The Center will not only safeguard invaluable artifacts and records but will also create new opportunities for students and researchers to engage with the legacy of energy in California.”

The West Kern Research Center will also serve as a facility for external researchers, encouraging interdisciplinary studies related to the oil and energy industry and local history. This forward-looking approach includes partnerships with local businesses and organizations to document current industry practices and ongoing developments.

For more information, please contact:

Arianna Mace, M.Ed.Phone: 661-623-0077Email: westkernoilmuseum@gmail.com

About the West Kern Oil Museum

The West Kern Oil Museum is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the history of the oil industry in Kern County. Through its extensive collection of artifacts and educational programs, the museum provides a unique insight into the region's rich industrial heritage.

About California Resources Corporation

California Resources Corporation (CRC) is an independent energy and carbon management company committed to energy transition. CRC is committed to environmental stewardship while providing local, responsibly produced energy. We are also focused on maximizing the value of our land, mineral ownership, and energy expertise for decarbonization by developing carbon capture and storage (CCS) and other emissions reducing projects. For more information about CRC, please visit www.crc.com.