csrm 31418 neg archives

16th Street Station Oral History Project

Explore the 16th Street Station Oral History Project, featuring interviews on Oakland’s railroad history, community stories, migration, and preservation efforts.

Photographs courtesy of California State Railroad Museum Library & Archives


Overview

The 16th Street Station Oral History Project was conducted in 2025 as part of the California State Railroad Museum Fellowship Program. The project includes interviews with Oakland residents reflecting on the history, significance, preservation, and future of the 16th Street Station. Topics include railroad travel, migration to Oakland, employment and labor opportunities, African American and immigrant community experiences, urban change in West Oakland, and the significance of the station to the community.

Interviews: Shelley Gonçalves, Willie Hebert, and Ernestine Nettles
Interviewed by: Julissa Gomez Ruvalcaba

The California State Railroad Museum would like to thank the community members for participating in this oral history project. Their stories help the Museum preserve the history of railroads and the people whose lives make that history so rich and diverse.

Watch, Listen, or Read the Oral History

Oral History

Shelley Gonçalves

Oral History

Willie Herbert

Oral History

Ernestine Nettles

csrm 45026b neg archives

Other Resources

Tramble, Thomas (2007). The Pullman Porters and West Oakland. Arcadia Publishing, Charleston, SC.

Oakland Heritage Alliance – 16th Street Station - https://www.oaklandheritage.org/16th-street-station


Does your family have railroad stories or objects to share?

The California State Railroad Museum welcomes donations to our collections, including both oral histories, objects, and archival materials such as photographs and letters. The Museum collects materials that tell stories of the railroad through the stories of people. You can learn more about donating to the Museum or reach out to [email protected] with any questions.

Donate OR Email Us