S H A R E D G R O U N D ' S N E W E S T P R O G R A M !
Temescal Community Archive
Collection * Exhibition * Access
The Temescal Community Archive is a new initiative to collect, catalog, and exhibit historic photographs, other two-dimensional documents, and taped interviews relating to Temescal's social history and physical development.
Since 1997, through the generosity of dozens of former and current members of the Temescal community who have contributed materials for use in Shared Ground's projects, we have accumulated many hundreds of documents. With our launching of the Archive, we begin the formal process of cataloging these materials, creating a user-friendly computer database accessible to the public, and actively adding to the collection.
Our conviction in developing the Archive is that understanding, preserving, and celebrating local history deepens our sense of Temescal as a unique place, while sharing our stories with neighbors strengthens our connection to each other and across generations.
Share YOUR History!
Are there old family photos for which you are seeking a caring home? Do you have materials relating to the history of your Temescal business, school, church, or social club? If so, share them with the Temescal Community Archive.
You can choose to donate your original documents, or we can make copies of them and return the originals to you.
Any future public use by Shared Ground of material we receive from you will acknowledge you or your family as the source, and you will retain all copyrights that apply.
The kinds of materials we would like to add to the Archive include:
* Photographs
* Letters
* Postcards
* Manuscripts
* Maps
* Newspaper and magazine clippings
* School programs
* Flyers
* Old invoices from Temescal businesses
* House plans
Recent Additions to the Archive
Among the materials that recently have been shared with the Archive are:
* Family photos and other ephemera from the Avanzino family, contributed by Ronald Avanzino.
* Photographs of Temescal residential and commercial streets from the 1940s and 1950s, from the Oakland History Room.
* Photographs of the Sacramento Northern Railway and depot at Shafter and 40th Street, contributed by Paul Smith.
* Photographs of Temescal streets from the 1960s, from the Oakland Cultural Heritage Survey.
Keep in mind that documents which you think have no relevance to Temescal often can reveal something important about the neighborhood. Call us, and we will help you make that determination.
Contact us to learn more about sharing your history with the Temescal Community Archive.