AHS Library and Archives
The Ascension Historical Society was established in 1989 by second generation Greek American community members determined to preserve the heritage and history of the “Hellenic Community of Oakland and Vicinity”. Mary K. Mousalimas spearheaded the creation of AHS given the understood urgency and importance of documenting the Greek American experience in this country and the Ascension church community.
Since its inception, volunteers have spent countless hours interviewing people, gathering artifacts and memorabilia, sharing information, and asking questions to learn more. The current AHS archive and library holds 100+ years of history highlighting the Ascension Cathedral community and its ministries as well as many items reflecting the greater Hellenic community and experience.
The Society consists of volunteers who work to maintain, preserve, and digitize the contents of the Historical Library & Archives located at the Ascension Cathedral.
The Library and Archives holdings includes:
Artifacts
The library holds the original baptismal font, partial Iconostasis, and the “All Seeing Eye” from the from the Church of the Assumption, original Greek dance costumes, World War 2 era materials, and years of various memorabilia from the church and its ministries.
Oral Histories
Audio & video recordings highlighting the personal experiences and families of Greek immigrants, early history of the church and West Oakland, World War 2 experiences, and so much more.
Photographs
We hold 25 linear feet of historical and contemporary images spanning five generations. Photographs include historical photos of families, baptisms, weddings, events of the church ministries as well as historical pictures of Oakland.
Ascension Cathedral History
The library has a vast collection of the Cathedral’s weekly and monthly bulletins, memorabilia and documents of past milestone events of the community, and memorabilia and memories of the church’s ministries, including Greek dancing, Summer Camp, Golf Committee, Sunday School, Greek school, and the Festival of Greece. This includes eight filing cabinets filled with a variety of church related records and information about parish families.
Family Histories
The library holds submitted family history sheets from parishioners of the Church of Assumption and Ascension Cathedral. We also hold some historical baptism records, wedding records and photos, and have access to the church’s official baptism, wedding, and death records to assist with genealogical inquiries.
Obituaries
Original obituary records have been collected and recorded since 2000. We hold digital copies of saved obituaries printed in newspapers from the 1930’s to the present.
Military Records & World War II Memorabilia
Military Records of veterans of Greek descent. Records date from the Spanish American War and include those who served in all branches of the US Armed Forces and in the military of US allies in all wars. The collection includes biographical information of veterans of Greek descent, formal service records, pictures, and personal memorabilia.
We also hold an array of World War II Greek War Relief Memorabilia.
Record Collections
AHS holds several record collections the highlight personal and professional research that has been gathered and published by others. Some examples include:
The Research Files of George Daskarolis for his book “San Francisco’s Greek Colony: The Evolution of an Ethnic Community”
Archival collections of Paul Manolis
Records collected on OSS military operations during World War II gathered by Andrew Mousalimas
Textiles
AHS holds an array of textile memorabilia and artifacts including wedding stefana, wedding dresses, authentic Greek dance costumes, World War II memorabilia, Ascension camp clothing, and more.
Out of Print and Greek Publications
We have publications written in Greek and English. Some examples include:
The Greek In California: Their History and Achievements, Prometheus Publishing Company, 1918-1919
Atlantis Magazine, 1958-1971
Krikos Magazine (“The Link”), 1950-1959
Athene-The American magazine of Hellenic Thought, 1940-1967
Nea Kalifornia Newspaper, 1905-1996
Western Hellene Magazine, 1946-1975
History Books
Our 20 linear feet collection of books includes history books of Oakland, West Oakland, Hellenic history on a variety of subjects as well as of other Greek orthodox churches around the country including commemorative anniversary albums, directory publications, and collected articles.
And More…
DVD, CD. and reel-to-reel videos
Early Greek School Books
Play Bills, Scripts, and Programs
Greek music recordings
Scrapbooks
Immigration Records
What we do
Collect, Catalog, & Safeguard documents, photographs, personal histories, scrapbooks, biographies, old recipes, and artifacts of the community’s cultural development reflecting the arts, dance, literature, music, religion, fraternal organizations, businesses, and athletics of the Ascension community.
Archive & Digitize record collections held within the library and church including 100 years’ worth of baptisms, weddings, and funeral records
Showcase & Highlight the history of the Ascension parish through milestone celebrations such as the 100th Year Gala Celebration & Museum & museum quality timeline displays on church grounds
Educate & Involve the community on the importance of donating and preserving documents, photographs, icons, letters, diaries, etc.
Educate & Support community members requiring guidance with historical and genealogical endeavors
Communicate & Collaborate with other Greek and American Historical Organizations
The Beloved Brush Street Church
When the Greek Orthodox Church of the Assumption opened its doors in 1921 at 920 Brush Street in Oakland, it was the first Greek Orthodox Church of the East Bay. The church was a dream of the Greek immigrants who were settling in the Oakland area. The immigrants collected small donations for years to build their dream. The land was purchased in 1914, the “Hellenic Community of Oakland and Vicinity” was incorporated in 1917, and the cornerstone was laid in May 1920. Fondly referred to as the “Brush Street Church” to this day, this building was a focal point to the Greek Orthodox of the East Bay until 1960 and is the original home of the Ascension community.