Skip to content

Answers to common questions about Historic Oakland Foundation membership

  • I am a new member. When does my membership begin and how long does it last?

    Memberships begin on the date the membership is purchased and expire a year from that date. For example, if a membership is purchased on January 1, 2023, it begins on that date and expires on January 1, 2024.
  • I am renewing my membership. When is the new expiration date?

    If you are renewing your membership before your expiration date, we will add an additional year to the current expiration. For example, if your membership expires February 1, 2023 and you renew it on January 1, 2023, the new expiration will be February 1, 2024.
  • When will I receive my membership card(s)?

    Membership cards are typically mailed within two weeks of your membership purchase. However, if you purchased your membership onsite at one of our larger events, like Capturing the Spirit of Oakland, it may take up to a month for you to receive your card(s) in the mail due to the large number of memberships we receive at those events.
  • Can I use my membership benefits before I’ve received my card(s)?

    Yes! You can sign-up for tours without your membership card and you will receive discounts and promo codes via the member newsletter emails. For specific questions reach out to .
  • My membership card(s) never arrived in the mail. What do I do?

    Reach out to  to get the status of your membership card(s). If you signed up at a larger event like Capturing the Spirit of Oakland your card(s) may take longer to arrive.
  • My membership includes guest passes for tours. How do I use these?

    Tour guest passes are mailed with your membership card(s). You will need to reserve tickets for yourself and anyone else on your membership, but you do NOT need to reserve tickets for guests using passes. Simply bring these paper passes with you on the day of your tour and present them to the attendant in the Visitor Center when you go to check in.
  • I am not receiving the monthly membership e-newsletters. How do I fix this?

    If you have unsubscribed from ANY of Oakland’s emails, you will also be unsubscribed from the member newsletters. To resubscribe to our email list, go here and fill out your information. Please email  once you’ve completed this step so our team can resolve the issue.
  • Is my membership tax-deductible?

    Individual, Student, Grave Digger, Dual, Family, and Angel level memberships are 100% tax-deductible. The tangible value for memberships at the Contributing+ level is $30.00 and the Patron+ level is $50.00. Please consult with your tax consultant to determine the deductible amount permitted by law.
  • How do I receive early access tickets to Capturing the Spirit of Oakland?

    All current members will receive an email with the link to purchase early-access tickets on July 1 at 10 a.m. To ensure that you are properly subscribed to Oakland’s emails, you can go here and update your information. We advise that you check your junk and spam folders before emailing
  • Can I upgrade my membership?

    Yes! Reach out to  and let our team know you would like to upgrade. You will be directed to make a donation for the amount difference between your current level and the level you want to upgrade to.

Still Have Questions?

Still have questions about your Historic Oakland Foundation membership? Email us using the button below.

Back To Top