New Resource in Development: ​Oakland History Library and Archives

The Borough of Oakland recently renovated the Van Allen House from top to bottom — providing the Oakland Historical Society (OHS) with new spaces to plan for the future and expand its resources.

(Please note that the Oakland Public Library is fully-accessible. The rooms at the Van Allen House, a historic structure, are accessed by a narrow, steep staircase and is not accessible. Should items from the Van Allen house collections be needed for a patron who is not able to climb the stairs, the items can be delivered to be used at the Library.)

About the OHS Collections

Under the direction of recently installed professional designer and archivist, Michelle D. Novak, MLIS, the OHS is assessing and organizing nearly 60 years of materials with the goal of creating a vibrant local history library for the Borough.

​​Above the east wing of the Van Allen house are two new rooms for OHS’s collections, books, photographs, maps, and artifacts to be organized, conserved, catalogued, scanned, and made ready for researchers.

And while the goal is to have all ready by the Borough’s 125th anniversary in 2027, we’re not going to wait that long to share what we have. A select collection of OHS’s local history materials is available right now in the Local History Room at the Oakland Public Library for researchers and curious denizens to explore and enjoy.

How You Can Help!

Work on the OHS Collections is ongoing and we welcome students, researchers, donors, and those curious about Oakland’s history to get involved!
  • Donate Your Time — We need committed volunteers of all ages to help organize the collections at the Van Allen House, many of which have been in storage for many years. We also need helpers to catalog items and scan photographs at both the Van Allen House and Oakland Public Library. (We can train you!)
  • Donate Funds — We need monetary contributions to buy archival and conservation supplies which will help reverse environmental damage, stabilize pieces, and better preserve materials for future generations to enjoy. 
  • Donate Artifacts — We are always looking for artifacts of Oakland’s history and will soon launch new guidelines as to what we can accept and what we’re looking for.
If you’re interested in any of the above, please reach out to OHS Archivist, Michelle D. Novak, MLIS, for more information on how to get started.