Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall and Museum serves a dual purpose. First it is a historical museum and second, it serves as an event venue. There is parking right by it but you are paying by the hour unless you arrive after 4:00 which has a flat rate fee of $5.00.
In the few times I have visited the museum I have had very little time to explore its offerings but they do have replicas of famous battle gear and historical events including a death mask of Lincoln the night he was shot. There is also an area devoted to cartoons of WW2. I was impressed by a reproduction of JFK's head located in the back.
The venue stands on a beautiful landscaped ground in front of it in North Oakland. There are at least two wraparound staircases that lead to the third floor which can be exhausting. Fortunately they do have an elevator if you tire of the trek. The third floor holds a stage and giant party room including a small dance floor where you can have that special event. There is an auditorium on the 2nd floor.
I had been here for my son's college recognition before he graduated and more recently to another Yelp event. Concerts are held here on occasion. I have never visited the venue for what it has to offer but normally check it out when I'm here for an event. Not everything is open to the public then but you can get a good taste of what the museum has to offer without having to pay extra.