Cohen-Bray House

Victorian Preservation Center of Oakland
1440 29th Ave. Oakland

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Board of Directors

Karin Sidwell
Patty Donald
Patty Reidenbach
Hank Dunlop
Paul Roberts

Emeriti

Barbara Donald
Mike Reidenbach

Education Programs

School classes have been visiting the Cohen-Bray House for many years, drawn by its beauty and unique interiors.  Tours are designed to tell the story of the house and the family that lived there from the 1860's through today.  We tie in the changes in the neighborhood and in the surrounding landscape.  Family stories help connect the history of the past to family life today.  The general theme of the school tour  is on the day in the life of a Victorian family, how their lives were the same and different from ours. Visually, the Children look for  decorative artifacts that repeat themselves throughout the house. Or the Teachers suggest the theme of the tour so we can cater it to the programs they are doing at school. Classes visit for 45 minutes and tour through the unchanged  main rooms and the restored bedroom upstairs.

We require at least 3 adults with a class of 20. Because this house is so unique, we ask that classes respect the building and not touch any items unless the tour guide suggests it.

With the help of Judith Lynch- a historian specialist on historic houses turned school teacher, We are creating a curriculum for school classes that will meet the state requirements  by teachers in each district.
We are developing curriculum to be given to teachers in a pre trip teachers in service. Where they can tour the house with out the students. The curriculum  contains pretrip activities and discussion topics  worksheets on things to do and see during the house tour, and follow up activities to summarize their visit and blend it into their history/social studies curriculum.
Judith Lynch gives workshops to teachers about Alameda Historic houses and has already created many activities that can be utilized in the House.

Special tours for interested groups including school children are welcomed and can be arranged by calling in advance to arrange reservations, times, and fees.  (510) 527-5209.

Cohen-Bray House

Web Master: VPCO
 Date Last Modified: 11/25/06