I Know Somebody For That
Oakland Historical Society & the Historic Van Allen House — Oakland, NJ
The Oakland Historical Society is a non-profit dedicated to preserving the history of Oakland, NJ — centered on the historic Van Allen House, where George Washington and his officers once stayed during the Revolution. In this episode of our series, the Chopper Russo Team steps back in time at one of Oakland's true treasures.
- Historic Site
- The Van Allen House — Ramapo Valley Road & Franklin Avenue, Oakland, NJ
- Founded
- 1966, to save the historic Hendrik Van Allen House · a 501(c)(3) non-profit
- Open House
- Free, about once a month (usually the 3rd or 4th Sunday) — check the events page. K-12 & group tours by arrangement.
- The Claim to Fame
- George Washington stayed here July 14, 1777, and wrote two letters from the house — copies on display
About the Oakland Historical Society
Founded in 1966 to save the historic Hendrik Van Allen House, the Oakland Historical Society has long worked to promote the history of Colonial times and the Revolutionary War era, and to preserve the history of Oakland, NJ for present and future generations. The Society operates a museum at the Van Allen House, maintains an archive of historic documents and artifacts, and offers educational, experience-based community programming for children and adults alike.
The Van Allen House sits at what was truly the Crossroads of the Revolution. On July 14, 1777, George Washington and his officers stayed at the house on their way north toward West Point, when troops and supply wagons got bogged down on the muddy Ramapo Valley Road; the troops camped along the valley below. Washington wrote two letters addressed from the house, and copies remain on display, alongside a handmade diorama of the visit. With 2027 marking both the 250th anniversary of Washington's visit and the 125th anniversary of Oakland's incorporation, the Society is busier than ever — developing a new local history library and archive and gathering oral histories through its "Stories of Oakland" project.
It's exactly the kind of organization that keeps a town connected to its roots — which is why we wanted to feature them.
How to Visit & Get Involved
Visit: Attend a free Open House at the Van Allen House (about once a month, usually the 3rd or 4th Sunday). Check the events page for the next date.
Become a member: Support the Society's mission and help preserve Oakland's history. Join here.
Volunteer: Help with indexing and scanning manuscripts, photos, and maps; assist at open houses; or lend a hand sprucing up the grounds.
Explore: Free e-books on Oakland's history are available on the Society's website, and archives can be viewed by appointment at the Oakland Public Library's Local History Room.
Why We Spotlight Organizations Like the Historical Society
The Chopper Russo Team is your local real estate resource for Oakland and Bergen County, NJ. We created "I Know Somebody For That" to spotlight the people, places, and organizations that make our community a great place to live — because knowing your town means knowing its story. Oakland's history is a big part of what makes it such a special place to call home.
If you love local history, the Oakland Historical Society would welcome your visit, membership, or volunteer help.
Oakland Historical Society — Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Van Allen House located?
The historic Van Allen House is located at the corner of Ramapo Valley Road and Franklin Avenue in Oakland, NJ. The Oakland Historical Society's mailing address is P.O. Box 296, Oakland, NJ 07436.
Did George Washington really stay at the Van Allen House?
Yes. George Washington and his officers stayed at the Van Allen House on July 14, 1777, during the Revolution, and Washington wrote two letters from the house. Copies of those letters are on display.
When can I visit the Van Allen House?
The Van Allen House hosts a free Open House about once a month, usually on the 3rd or 4th Sunday. Check the Society's events page for the next date. K-12 and group tours can also be arranged.
How can I join or support the Oakland Historical Society?
You can become a member, volunteer (helping with archives, open houses, or grounds), or make a donation through the Society's website.
When was the Oakland Historical Society founded?
The Oakland Historical Society was founded in 1966 to save the historic Hendrik Van Allen House. It is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.