About us
Who We Are
We are Friends of Oakdale Heritage, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, operating the Oakdale Museum & History Center through volunteer efforts and our passion for preserving the history of Oakdale, CA.
Our Purpose
We seek to preserve and share the memories and stories of those who have gone before us. By doing so, we preserve the history of our community while enriching the lives of future generations.
How it All Started
What at one time seems insignificant often becomes more meaningful with the passage of time. While sometimes artifacts are considered yesterday’s junk, today becomes a treasure. The old rustic sign or the dinged up household appliance from the 1930’s, stored in someone’s garage comes to mind.
Each time someone’s 50-year-old love letters are tossed into the trash, or an old building is razed, to make room for a parking lot, or old video tapes of family gatherings wear out, the stories within are lost forever. Somehow, those items that dodged the garbage bins over the years, can today tell part of a story.
Come In and Step Back in Time
Welcome to the Oakdale Museum and History Center! Step into the past and discover the treasures that tell the story of Oakdale’s rich history. Our small museum brings seemingly mundane stories to life through photographs, documents, and artifacts. Explore the accomplishments and failures of those who established our town, learn about our businesses and industries, and catch a glimpse of how people lived in bygone eras. Visit us and be transported back in time!
Meet Our Board
Barbara Torres
President
My grandfather came to Oakdale in 1920, to teach at OHS. He started the Auto Mechanics Dept, retiring in 1945. Four generations of my family have attended Oakdale schools. I’ve spent summers at the cannery and balanced that with college in the winters in order to attain a BA in Liberal Studies with a minor in Psychology. Oakdale has been compared to “Mayberry” for its small-town quaintness, which has given me great childhood memories. I can think of no better way of giving back, than sharing hometown history.
Diane Korupp
Treasurer
Diane is currently the Treasurer for Friends of Oakdale Heritage and volunteers at the museum 3 or more days a week. She has lived in Oakdale for over 30 years, moving from the San Jose area to raise her children. After working in accounting and subbing for the school district, she turned her sights to volunteering. She met Barbara Torres through the Oakdale Tourism & Visitors Bureau, and joined her at the Oakdale Museum in 2018 as a volunteer. She is enjoying learning about the history of her adopted home town.
Suzanne Lauzon
Secretary
Don Riise
Board Member
Dave Cross
Board Member
My name is David Cross, I’ve lived in Oakdale for more than 75 years. I’m having my 60 year reunion from Oakdale High in September and I’m a history buff. I’ve been involved with the museum since 1985 and I love local history.
Vern Gladney
Board Member
Daniel Kelly
Board Member
We Are Here to Help
Need to do Research?
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Closed Holiday Weekends
Contact
(209) 844-5161
Oakdale, CA 95361
(Parking in back off Lottie Street)
Hours of Operation
WEDNESDAY – FRIDAY
1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM