Oakland Historical Foundation

The non-profit Oakland Historical Foundation was formed in 1969 to preserve and disseminate the history of the town and the surrounding area. Five years ago, the organization was revitalized when the board made a strong commitment to research, education, and dissemination of local history through exhibits and programs excluding permanently collecting artifacts. It is a non-profit corporation run by volunteers with assistance and advice provided by a local museum consultant on a project-by-project basis.

OHF has four years experience in mounting exhibits and conducting programs. In 2004, their first interpretive exhibit, “Working Women” was mounted with a mini-grant from the Illinois Humanities Council (IHC). “Between Fences,” (an IHC-Smithsonian Museum on Main Street exhibit) came to Oakland in 2005. Since then, the volunteers have installed two interpretive exhibits each year in it's storefront building on the main city square in Oakland.

The Foundation also has a walking and driving tour of the picturesque town available that features the exterior architecture of both residences and commercial buildings.