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Fall History Series
This season the Oakland History Room explores Oakland's neighborhoods and the political, economic, urban planning decisions that made the town we know today.
The Great Oakland Annexation of 1909
Wednesday, October 30, 6-7:30 PM @ Main Library
Did you know that the Fruitvale, Melrose, and Elmhurst neighborhoods were once considered Oakland’s suburbs? Join Oakland History Room librarian Dorothy Lazard as she presents a talk on the annexation campaign that doubled the size of our city.
The Controversy in the Way of the MacArthur Maze
Wednesday, November 13, 6-7:30 PM @ Main Library
The design and placement of the MacArthur Maze was Oakland’s most complex of highway projects. Local historian Stuart Swiedler will present a talk that will utilize rare aerial photographs, ground images, and documents to tell the story of the Maze project and the controversial impact it had on the California Industries and Orientation Center for the Blind.
Previous Events:
Exploring the Laurel District
Wednesday, October 2, 6-7:30 PM @ Main Library
Local historian, editor and author Dennis Evanosky will share the history of his Oakland neighborhood, the Laurel District, from the arrival of the Ohlone to the early 20th century development of Laurel Grove Park and Key Route Heights. He will also discuss the arrival of the streetcars and the MacArthur Freeway that divided the neighborhood.
East Bay Yesterday Live: Exploring BART History with Michael C. Healy
Wednesday, October 9, 6-7:30 PM @ Main Library
East Bay Yesterday podcast host Liam O’Donoghue will interview Michael C. Healy, author of “BART: the dramatic history of the Bay Area Rapid Transit system” (Heyday Books) before a live audience. Healy served as the agency’s spokesman from 1972 until 2005. Expect to hear stories of epic political battles, scandals, a “phantom station,” and even a baby born on BART.
Oakland's Redevelopment History in Pictures
Wednesday, October 16, 6-7:30 PM @ Main Library
The Oakland History Room recently acquired tens of thousands of photos from the now-defunct Oakland Redevelopment Agency. Audiovisual archivist Moriah Ulinskas will discuss the transformation of West Oakland and Downtown Oakland as it was photographed before and during the City's most aggressive period of redevelopment.