Oakland Heritage Alliance facts for kids

The Oakland Heritage Alliance (OHA) is a group in Oakland, California, that helps protect important historical places. It's a non-profit organization, which means it uses its money to help the community, not to make a profit. OHA works to save Oakland's old buildings, special natural areas, and cultural history. They also lead fun walking tours, give talks, and keep an eye on new building plans in the city.

OHA started in 1980 with just seven people and $150. The people who started OHA had worked on a project called the Oakland Cultural Heritage Survey, which looked at Oakland's history. One of OHA's first big efforts was to save the Metcalf House, a large old home. They helped move this mansion from one part of Oakland to another to stop it from being torn down.

You can become a member of OHA for $45.

What OHA Does to Help

OHA works hard to protect Oakland's history. They often speak up when old buildings or areas are at risk.

Saving Historic Buildings

OHA asked for the 16th Street train station to be added to the National Register of Historic Places. This is a list of important places in the United States. OHA believes this old station should be fixed up and used again. When new homes were planned near the station, OHA suggested that the plans should include fixing the station. They also wanted to make sure the new buildings wouldn't hide parts of the old station.

OHA also spoke out against plans for new homes at the old California College of the Arts campus in the Rockridge area. They also disagreed with a very large plan for 3,100 new homes along Oakland's waterfront.

In downtown Oakland, OHA argued against a project called Eastline. They felt it was too close to other important historic buildings.

Other Fun Activities

OHA does more than just protect buildings; they also help people learn about Oakland's past.

Awards for Preservation

Every year, OHA gives out "Partners in Preservation" awards. These awards honor people, groups, or projects that have done a great job helping to save and care for historic places.

Walking Tours

OHA offers many walking tours that explore different parts of Oakland. These tours are a fun way to learn about the city's history and architecture. Most tours happen on Saturdays and Sundays during the summer. Members of OHA or volunteers can join these tours for free or at a lower cost, while others pay a small fee.

Open House Tours

Open house tours are like walking tours, but they let you see inside private homes. Each home on the tour shows off a special building style that was popular in that area. It's a unique chance to step back in time!

OHA News Newsletter

The Oakland Heritage Alliance also publishes a newsletter called "OHA News." It comes out four times a year and shares updates about their work and interesting facts about Oakland's heritage.