Oakland Historical Society, Inc.

06/21/2026

Join us for Founding Father’s Day which will include games, (root) beer, fun for the whole family, and maybe even a pub quiz! Sunday, 1-4pm at the Van Allen house, Oakland.

06/19/2026

🎡 The Oakland Historical Society is at the Oakland Carnival this week—stop by and say hello!

We’re bringing a variety of gifts, local history items, and an exciting new line of Oakland-themed T-shirts that we're testing out. Current designs include Continental Army in Oakland, Muller's Park, the Oakland Tricentennial, Jungle Habitat, and more. We’re also working on additional designs for Oakland’s 125th anniversary, including themes inspired by Pleasureland, Oakland neighborhoods and schools, a vintage 1950s Oakland Recreation design, and more.

Pick up one of our limited-edition sample tees while they last (donation: $25). They're incredibly soft, made from U.S.-grown cotton, and we’d love to hear your feedback on the designs and what Oakland memories you'd like to see featured next!

You'll also find:
• Handmade dolls by Irene Maletsky
• Handmade leather pouches by Mame Schwarzfischer
• Vintage 1960s Oakland postcards
• Hats, books, magnets, stickers, and more…

With items starting at just a $1 donation, there’s something for everyone.

Stop by our booth, support local history, and see what treasures you can take home! 📚🏡✨

06/09/2026

Oakland residents, mark your calendar!

Joel Farkas, who presented The Complete American Revolution as part of The Oakland Public Library's and Oakland Historical Society's Spring America 250 series, will be speaking at the Oakland Senior Center on July 16.

Hosting Joel was a pleasure, and all three of his presentations drew record crowds. If you enjoyed his talks—or missed them the first time—this is another great opportunity to hear him speak.

Registration is open to all Borough of Oakland, NJ, esidents age 55 and older.

If you are not yet a member of the Senior Center, stop by to sign up for a membership pass before RSVPing for the event.

Both membership and the program are free for Oakland residents.

We hope to see you there!

06/08/2026

Well, THAT was some storm.

The Van Allen house and new oak tree to be dedicated for the 250th are fine. The shed has some damage but the tree hit it at one of the strongest points so, fingers crossed, we were spared the worst.

I’m sure the miracle workers at the Oakland DPW will have it all back to normal soon! (Thank you, DPW!)

06/02/2026

From our friends at Old Stone Church in Upper Saddle River, mark your calendars!

05/28/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18a5RGoSZ9/

250 years ago today, on May 22, 1776, General George Washington entered New Jersey for the first time during the Revolutionary War. Washington traveled from New York City south through New Jersey, making a stop in Princeton.

Follow along as we chronicle Washington’s journey through Jersey during the United States’ 250th anniversary year.

GET INVOLVED 🗣️
New Jersey State Parks, Forests & Historic Sites is hosting a variety of public programs and events in celebration of the United States’ 250th. Join in on the fun as we explore New Jersey’s history and learn how the events, challenges, and ideas of the past continue to shape the nation today. Learn more: https://dep.nj.gov/parksandforests/discover-history/united-states-250/

Have you joined the New Jersey State Parks Celebrate 250 Challenge? This yearlong challenge encourages visitors of all ages and abilities to explore New Jersey’s 41 state parks, 11 state forests, five recreation areas, and 50+ historic sites and districts while building healthy habits and honoring this milestone year. Join the challenge today: https://dep.nj.gov/parksandforests/get-outside/celebrate-250-challenge/

05/27/2026

EARLY PRIMARY VOTING IS OPEN!

Reminder that the Borough of Oakland, NJ, early voting for the 2026 Primary Election is happing now, May 26–May 31st. Hours are 10 am–8 pm and Sunday, 10 am–6 pm. No appointment is necessary.

GO VOTE!

https://nj.gov/state/elections/vote-early-voting.shtml
https://www.oakland-nj.org/borough-clerk/pages/election-information

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Did anyone else go with their parents and into the booth with the curtain and seemingly millions of levers? The gymnasium at Valley always looked so odd with all the weird equipment and tables set up for the day.

05/25/2026

This Memorial Day, we pause to remember and honor the men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. Their sacrifice shaped the freedoms we enjoy today and remains an enduring part of our shared history.

From all of us at the Oakland Historical Society, we wish you a meaningful and reflective Memorial Day.

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We placed five small flags at the marker stone beside the Van Allen House—four American flags and one Colonial-era flag honoring those who gave their lives in service of the nation before our Independence was declared.

02/11/2026

Did you know that you can view Bergen County-wide. 250 events from ONE calendar?

The County of Bergen, Department of Parks has launched Bergen250, where societies can share their upcoming 250 events and talks. In addition they have launched a blog, and interactive sites map, and resources.

Explore the site and if you are a historical society or otherwise are hosting events for the 250th, send them in for inclusion on the calendar!

https://bergen250.com