Coming Up at Camron-Stanford House
Events at Camron-Stanford House are open to the public, unless otherwise noted.
Holiday Decorating!
Join us as we get the Camron-Stanford House ready for the holiday season!
Help us get all the garlands and ornaments out and decorate our rooms and hallways.
This event is free and open to the public. Please RSVP to reserve your spot and get email reminders. We will also have hot cocoa :)
East Bay Open Studios
Camron-Stanford House is elated to be one of the sites for this December’s East Bay Open Studios in collaboration with Oakland Art Murmur. Our lower galleries will be filled with artworks by:
Cara Goldstein
Karen Janes
Bonnie Polson
Join us to meet the artists, view and support their works, and celebrate art in the East Bay!
Camron-Stanford House will be open and free to the public with self guided tours both Saturday, December 7th and Sunday December 8th from 11am-5pm. Please RSVP below to get reminders as the weekend approaches!
Masquerade Murder Mystery @ the Camron-Stanford House
Join us for a thrilling night at the Masquerade Murder Mystery at the Camron-Stanford House!
Put on your mysterious mask and step into a world of suspense, where hidden secrets and clues await. Dive into character as you mingle with other guests and work together to solve the enigmatic crime of the night. Expect a night full of surprises, intrigue, and of course, a dash of glamour as you walk through our Victorian house and explore the grounds and garden.
The event promises an evening of fun and excitement that will keep you on your toes until the truth is unveiled. Don't miss out on this unforgettable experience!
Get your tickets now as space is limited! Your ticket includes one beverage, more is available for purchase onsite.
Holiday Wreaths & Cards Workshop
Come join us for a festive and creative afternoon at our Holiday Wreaths & Cards Workshop! Get into the holiday spirit by crafting your own beautiful wreaths and personalized cards.
This in-person event will provide all the supplies, tools, and guidance you need to make unique decorations for the season. You are of course welcome to bring anything of your own to add to your creations.
Whether you're a seasoned crafter or just starting out, everyone is welcome to join in the fun. Let's spread holiday cheer together!
Your ticket also includes admission to the museum.
Dissecting Dracula w/Dacre Stoker
Join us for an evening with Dacre Stoker, great-grandnephew of Bram Stoker, as he delves into the legacy of the infamous Count Dracula. Get ready to unearth secrets, myths, and the untold stories behind the creation of this iconic vampire. Discover the real-life inspirations and historical context that gave birth to one of literature's most enduring characters.
Follow along with Dacre as he shares Bram's notes, maps, and other interesting facts about the creation of one of the Victorian era's most iconic novels.
Don't miss this exclusive opportunity to unravel the mysteries of Dracula with a direct descendant of the author himself. Get your questions ready for a captivating discussion that will leave you mesmerized by the world of vampires!
Grab your garlic and wooden stakes, and join us for a night of thrilling exploration into the dark corners of Dracula's lore.
DIY Halloween Trick or Treat Bags
Come join us for a spooktacular event where you can let your creativity shine! At DIY Trick or Treat Bag, we'll provide all the materials you need to craft your own unique trick or treat bag for Halloween. Whether you love glitter, spooky designs, or classic Halloween colors, you can make a bag that matches your style perfectly. This in-person event is perfect for all ages, so bring your friends and family along for a fun and crafty time!
Each ticket includes a tote bag and access to supplies such as felt, paint markers, glue and more!
A Self Care Experience with Herbs
A Self-Care Experience with Herbs: Create Your Own Apothecary for Fall/Winter.
In the hands-on workshop participants will learn:
* Benefits of growing and using herbs for pleasure, health and wellness
* How to plant a healing herbal garden from seed and starter plants
* How to harvest, preserve and use herbs to make plant medicine
* How to create your own tea blends for the Fall/Winter season
* Create your own personal tea/tisane and tonic to take home
* Enjoy a tasting of herbal teas
* Take home recipes for herbal blending
Claudia Noble-Levingston, M.P.A., Certified Permaculturalist, Urban Gardener, Educator,
Speaker and the owner/founder of Cultivating Gardens ®, “Deeply Rooted for Generations.”
Her focus is to educate and inspire residents to “grow your own food” and eat healthier. She is a
passionate and inspirational garden coach. Since 2013, Claudia has offered small space urban
edible gardening workshops and coaching to SF/Bay Area residents.
Ms. Noble-Levingston is a 4 th generation Oakland resident with agrarian roots by way of
Chicago, Illinois and Northern Louisiana, Arkansas and Virginia. Ms. Noble-Levingston is the
granddaughter of a Black Farmer who took care of his family by cultivating the land to grow
food. Her ancestors believed “if you “take care of the land, the land will take care of you.”
Ms. Noble-Levingston embraces the spirit of “My Mother’s Garden”, encourages eating with the
seasons, preparing home cooked meals, remembering the past and sharing the gift of gardening
with the next generation, “Sankofa.”
“To whom much is given, much is required”
Luke 12:48
CSH Monthly Volunteer Meeting
Come join us for our monthly gathering where we discuss volunteer opportunities and upcoming events. This is a great chance to connect with fellow volunteers, share ideas, and get involved in immersing yourself in local Oakland history.
Each meeting will also feature a History Nugget presented by one of our docents or a local historian. There will be some light refreshments and feel free to bring snacks to share.
Whether you're a seasoned volunteer or just starting out, everyone is welcome.
RSVP to get email reminders!
DIY Halloween Wreath Making
Get into the spooky spirit and join us for a fun-filled crafting session where you can design your very own Halloween wreath. Unleash your creativity with a variety of eerie decorations and create a unique piece to adorn your door this Halloween season. This event is in person, so come ready to get your hands dirty and have a wicked good time!
All materials provided, but you're welcome to bring any of your own decorations to work with or share.
Night Tour: Victorian Textiles
In partnership with Oakland Style Week (October 9th-13th) our first Night Tour of the season will showcase some never before seen Victorian textiles from our collection and staple pieces in our period rooms! Join us to experience the house in a new way and learn about fashions of local Oaklanders in the late 1800’s.
This event is free and open to the public. Please RSVP to reserve your spot.
Halloween House Decorating
Join us as we get the house ready for spoOOooky season! Help us let all the skeletons out of the closet and decorate our rooms and hallways.
This event is free and open to the public. Please RSVP to reserve your spot.
Figure Drawing with Sketchboard
Join Sketchboard for an afternoon of Figure Drawing in the beautiful gardens of Camron-Stanford House. Socialize with other artists while delighting in artistic expression.
Ancestor Portrait Workshop with JAMM the Artist
Join JAMM the Artist to honor, remember and celebrate family, friends and community heroes through the art of painting. Participants will create a monochromatic portrait of a historical figure or personal hero using pencil, ink and watercolor.
Workshop covers fundamental skills and techniques to create the portrait, all supplies are provided and is accessible to beginners of all ages. Children grades K-6 are most successful when accompanied by a supportive adult. When choosing a specific person to paint your portrait of, the photo reference must be submitted one week prior to the event. High resolution images are ideal.
CSH Monthly Volunteer Meeting
Come join us for our monthly gathering where we discuss volunteer opportunities and upcoming events. This is a great chance to connect with fellow volunteers, share ideas, and get involved in immersing yourself in local Oakland history.
Each meeting will also feature a History Nugget presented by one of our docents or a local historian. There will be some light refreshments and feel free to bring snacks to share.
Whether you're a seasoned volunteer or just starting out, everyone is welcome.
RSVP to get email reminders!
In Concert: Daniel Adam Maltz
Enjoy Haydn and Mozart’s piano works performed as they intended them to be heard — in a private home on a period instrument. During the Classical era in Vienna, composers expected their keyboard music to entertain relatively small audiences in more intimate settings than today’s large concert halls. And, the era’s pianos (known as “fortepianos”) are very different from modern Steinways.
Fortepianist Daniel Adam Maltz is based in Vienna and studied Historical Performance at the Royal Academy of Music in London and at Vienna’s University for Music and Performing Arts. He performs on historic Viennese fortepianos, utilizing the vast range of tones, colors, and techniques familiar to Classical-era composers.
The Camron Stanford House in Oakland, CA is offering you this unique chance to experience the Classical era, so get your tickets now!
Daniel Adam Maltz is a fortepianist based in Vienna, Austria. He specializes in Wiener Klassik — Viennese Classicism — especially the works of Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven performed on the Viennese fortepianos of their time. Called “master of the Viennese fortepiano,” Daniel’s performances are praised for their “extraordinary precision and lightness” (The Common Reader). Critics applaud his “very sensitive phrasing” and “marvelous dynamic contrasts” (Marblehead Current) featuring “broad warmth” and “lavish but tasteful” playing (Classical Sonoma). He is in demand worldwide with 50+ tour dates per year as a sought-after soloist, Lieder accompanist, and clinician. Daniel also hosts Classical Cake, the podcast about Viennese classical music and culture.
CRAFT PICNIC- DIY Fruit Needle Punch Keychain Workshop
Are you looking to learn a new craft this year? Antonia (Piscola Mami) will help participants create their own fruit inspired keychain by learning how to needle punch.
Participants will be provided with all supplies necessary to create their keychain, including premade Peanut character designs, a seleccion of yarns, scissors, monks cloth, punch needles and embroidery hoops.
This workshop will take place in the beautiful gardens of the Camron-Stanford House. Please make sure to bring picninc blankets, a jacket (in case it gets chilly) snacks and your drinks of choice to enjoy throughout the workshop. We will start our evening off with a quick tour of the House, led by Marlena Cannon, the Collections Manager of the CHS. Then we will head back to the garden to start crafting!
During this workshop, you will learn all the basics of punch needle: stretching your monkscloth, threading your tool and creating your pieces. This is the perfect class for beginners, or those who have tried punch needle and would like some creative company.
Participants will leave with a : Handmade needle punch keychain -- and the knowledge to create future pieces of any size!
Don't miss this opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, tap into your creativity. Space is limited, so make sure to secure your spot today!
** This event is BYOB
**Ticket Price: This event is sliding scale!
CSH Monthly Volunteer Meeting
Come join us for our monthly gathering where we discuss volunteer opportunities and upcoming events. This is a great chance to connect with fellow volunteers, share ideas, and get involved in immersing yourself in local Oakland history.
Each meeting will also feature a History Nugget presented by one of our docents or a local historian. There will be some light refreshments and feel free to bring snacks to share.
Whether you're a seasoned volunteer or just starting out, everyone is welcome.
RSVP to get email reminders!
Garden Party!
Get ready to immerse yourself in the ultimate garden party experience! Feel the island vibes, groove to soulful music, and witness a stunning fashion show. Join us for an unforgettable celebration of style and elegance. This event is a collaboration between PA Love Club, Island Vibes, and the Camron-Stanford House, featuring fashions from Saint Maurice Clothing.
Lawn Party! w/Lindy by the Lake
Lawn Party!
Come join us for a lively Lawn Party filled with music, games, and good vibes! Enjoy live music by Vic and the Little Croquettes and dancing by Lindy by the Lake.
Let's enjoy the sunshine together at the Camron-Stanford House garden. Dust off your picnic blanket and grab your sunglasses - it's time to chill out and have some fun. Spread the word and invite your friends for a day of laughter and memories. Don't miss out on this perfect opportunity to relax and unwind. See you there!
Reflections on Lake Merritt: Panel & Screening
Come join the filmmakers of the upcoming documentary “Reflections on Lake Merritt” at one of Oakland’s most historic homes for a special fundraiser event. The evening will include:
-A presentation by Camron-Stanford House director Maivy Nguyen on the history of this Victorian mansion.
-A discussion about Lake Merritt history with East Bay Yesterday host Liam O’Donoghue and Dorothy Lazard, longtime Oakland History Center librarian and author of “What You Don’t Know Will Make a Whole New World.”
-A preview screening of selected clips from the forthcoming “Reflections on Lake Merritt” with director Brandon Jourdan.
-Lake Merritt trivia with prizes including tickets to an upcoming historical boat tour on the Bay, a Long Lost Oakland map, vintage Lake Merritt postcards, and more.
Explore the authentic Victorian furnishings of the Camron-Stanford House before the program begins. A docent will be on-hand to answer your questions about this unique residence.
Light snacks and beverages will be provided.
Reflections on Lake Merritt is an upcoming documentary that delves into the rich history and significance of Oakland, California's "crown jewel." The film promises to not only celebrate the beauty and diversity of Lake Merritt but also addresses the profound social and environmental issues facing Oakland and similar urban areas globally. Through personal stories and historical context, the documentary aspires to provide valuable lessons and inspire meaningful dialogue about our collective future. Featuring in-depth interviews with notable figures such as Boots Riley, Corrina Gould, Katie Noonan, Dorothy Lazard, Davey D, and Liam O'Donoghue, the film offers a multifaceted perspective on this iconic landmark. The film is a collaboration between filmmaker Brandon Jourdan, Marianne Maeckelbergh, and East Bay Yesterday’s Liam O’Donoghue. They are currently raising funds to complete the documentary. Watch the trailer here.
Garden Tea Party
Welcome to the Garden Tea Party at the Camron-Stanford House!
Join us on Saturday, May 11, 2024 at 12:00 PM for an afternoon of delicious teas and delectable treats from Malaya Tea Room (check their website for sample menu), followed by a tour of the house and gardens.
Each tea box includes: 4 tea sandwiches, 2 savory canape, 3 dessert & a sachet of tea leaves and there will be other teas available as well.
We also invite you to come and bring your own snacks if the Malaya options do not fit your dietary needs. Choose the "Tea & Tour (no food)" option.
Enjoy your teas on our veranda and relax as you take in the lovely views of Lake Merritt. Learn about the local history of Oakland and gardens of the Victorian era.
And, as an added bonus, you have the opportunity to get your photo taken by our cultural curator and photographer, Patnisha Williams. It's the perfect opportunity to capture the beautiful memory of the day with a professional photoshoot! Choose it as an add-on to your ticket.
Veranda Portraits:
$50 for one edited image
$25 for each additional pose
$25 for each additional person in session
Town Treasures: Closing Reception + Open Mic Night!
Join us as we celebrate the closing of Town Treasures: Black Migration Stories with an open mic night!
Show up and sign up to share your stories in and with community. Tell us how you and your families landed in Oakland—the trials, the varied routes, the reasons, and what keeps you here.
This event is free and open to the public. RSVP below to reserve your spot!
Town Treasures: Storytellers + Elders Panel
Join us for live readings by the storytellers and elders of our exhibit Town Treasures: Black Migration Stories.
Featuring:
Allen Goodlow & Rashida Chase
Ann Ayanna Johnson & Audrey T. Williams
Engage in dialogue with our guest panelists and learn more about the paths they have paved to share space with us here in Oakland, California.
This event is free and open to the public. Please RSVP to reserve your spot!
Opening Reception for Town Treasures: Black Migration Stories
Join us for the opening reception of our new exhibit!
Patanisha Williams, cultural curator, and Camron-Stanford House, museum of Victorian era Oakland, are proud to announce their partnership in exhibiting the groundbreaking "Black Gold Storytellers” project. This exhibit will showcase the compelling narratives of African American Elders who undertook the momentous migration to Oakland including National Treasures: Joyce Gordon, Oscar Wright, and Ishmael Reed. Included is the musical video tribute to his ancestry by Oakland’s 3 time Grammy Winner, Fantastic Negrito. The BGS project was founded by the esteemed Dr. Adrienne D. Oliver, dedicated to preserving and sharing these vital stories.
Crafting Love Together
Victorian Valentine’s Card Making Workshop
Get swept up in the romantic spirit of Valentine's Day and join us for a Victorian-inspired cardmaking workshop! Let your sweetie know how much you care with every doily, flower, heart, and shell attached to your love note.
Demo on folding a Victorian puzzle purse from our docent Reenie Raschke!
All supplies provided. Feel free to bring your own to make it that much more personal <3