Posted: 02/09/2007--25/11/2008 || Rate this Article: 3 || Views|| Sign In || Register ||Hello Guest
Located in sunny California and right next to San Francisco, Oakland is a great place to visit. While enjoying the always wonderful weather, people can learn about Oaklands rich history and culture by visiting the historic sites and museums.
One of Oaklands historic homes, the Dunsmuir House was built by Alexander Dunsmuir in that late 1800s. This beautiful mansion was a wedding gift for Alexanders wife Josephine. Unfortunately, Josephine resided in the house alone after Alexander Dunsmuir died on their honeymoon. The city of Oakland purchased the house in the 1960s. Eventually, the house was restored and made available for public viewing. Now, visitors can appreciate the Neoclassical-Revival architecture of this luxurious 37-room mansion. The surrounding estate is equally impressive, and visitors can tour the glass conservatory, aviary, and garden maze. The Dunsmuir House is also available for weddings.
The Pardee residence is another one of Oaklands historic homes. Located in Oaklands Preservation Park Historic District, this house was built between 1868 and 1869 by gold rush hopeful Enoch Pardee. George C. Pardee, the son of Enoch and Mary Pardees, became governor of California in 1902. The Pardee home is now open to the public for guided tours and special events.
Anyone interested in the art, history, and natural sciences should visit the Oakland Museum of California. The museum has three permanent exhibitions: the Gallery of California Art displays art from the early 19th century to modern times; the Cowell Hall of California History displays over 6,000 artifacts related to the history and culture of California; and the Natural Sciences Gallery has over 2,500 natural specimens that help recreate a variety of California ecosystems. At any given time, the museum also has a handful of changing exhibitions; there is always something new to see. The museum can be rented for private functions, including wedding, graduations, lectures, and fundraisers.
The African American Museum & Library at Oakland allows visitors to explore the culture and history of African Americans in California. The museum is owned by the Oakland Public Library and the Northern California Center for the African American History and Life. The museums many collections include the Joshua Rose Collection, which highlights the life of the first African American to sit on the Oakland City Council, and the Ida Jackson Collection, which honors Oaklands first African American school teacher.
Mocha, the Museum of Childrens Art, displays art created by children. Admission to the museums galleries is always free, and the museum also offers classes, workshops, and camps for children. This museum is fun for the whole family, and it is a great way to get kids interested in art.
Visitors can learn more about the history of flight at the Western Aerospace Museum. The museum is located on the hangar built by the Boeing School of aeronautics in 1940 and is now the home of a variety of historic aircraft, including the Short Solent 4-engine Flying Boat. In addition the aircraft exhibitions, the Western Aerospace Museum also offers educational tour and video screenings.
Whether you are interested in architecture, history, art, or aircraft, Oakland is an interesting city that should be part of any California vacation.
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