OHA advocates the preservation of Oakland's historical sites and "cultural, natural, and architectural heritage",[1] organizes walking tours and lectures,[2] and monitors new development projects.
[citation needed] Founding members were involved in the Oakland Cultural Heritage Survey which was funded by a 1979 state grant.
[citation needed] The organization's earliest advocacy included a campaign surrounding the Metcalf House, a mansion which was eventually moved from Adams Point to West Oakland to avoid its demolition.
[6][7][8] OHA advocated against a proposed housing development on the former site of the Oakland campus of the California College of the Arts, in the Rockridge neighborhood.
[10][11][12][13] OHA argued against the Eastline development in downtown Oakland, saying that it was too close to historic buildings.