The mission of the South Oroville African American Historical Society is to promote awareness and understanding of the historical presence and accomplishments of African Americans in the City of Oroville, California, and surrounding areas.

Our goals and who we are

The goal of the Society is to establish a community center and neighborhood park that will provide educational and recreational programs and an in-house museum that will showcase the contributions of African Americans

We are the only historical society between Sacramento and Portland, Oregon that is engaged in research, preservation, and presentation of the history of African Americans in Oroville and surrounding locations.

Under the leadership of Dr. John Rivers and a Board of Directors, the Society promotes awareness of the accomplishments of the historical Southside community of Oroville.

Toward that end, we are videotaping oral histories of long-time, elderly residents and collecting photographs, historical news clippings, and memorabilia from Southside families.