The Preservationists

Astronemis speaks with Misty Czillinger and Rob Charnock from the Lower Columbia Preservation Society about the organization’s new tool lending library!

This month on “The Preservationists,” host Astronemis Ray interviews archivist Liisa Penner about the Liisa Penner Research Center & Archives at the Clatsop County Heritage Museum in Astoria. Discover how photographs, journals, maps, and family records help preserve the rich history of Clatsop County and connect generations through community memory.

Join our host Astronemis Ray as she chats with City Historian, John Goodenberger, and the Astoria Public Library Director, Suzanne Harold, as they discuss the building’s architectural legacy, the thoughtful decisions behind the renovation, and the role libraries play as stewards of both history and community life.

In this episode executive director, Bruce Jones, joins us to discuss the Columbia River Maritime Museum’s deep ties to the community and it’s role in preserving maritime history along the Columbia River. With ongoing projects such as the Mariners Hall Project, hands-on education, and volunteer driven preservation work, tune in to find out how maritime heritage is being kept alive for future genera...

Host Astronemis Ray speaks with Executive Director of the Columbia Pacific Heritage Museum Michelle Claud-Clemente, and Stacey Pierro the Historiographer. The Columbia Pacific Heritage Museum is located in the heart of Ilwaco, WA and serves not only as a museum but a place for the community to connect. Listen in as we hear about the exhibits at the museum, the impact this museum has made, and all...

Guest host Lauri Serafin steps in to talk with Flavel House Museum docents Rosemary Johnson and Jacqueline Denton, who share their experiences guiding visitors through Astoria’s iconic Victorian mansion, the daily work of interpreting its history, memorable questions from guests, and their thoughts on the house’s rumored hauntings, giving listeners a look into life as a docent.

Lauri Serafin interviews Leila Collier and Eric Williams on the history of Astoria’s Soumi Hall and plans for its renovation.

This month, we’re taking you inside one of the the Astoria Armory which has been everything from a roller rink to a community gathering space. Now, thanks to local vision and determination, it’s being revitalized as a vibrant hub for events, culture, and connection. Join host Astronemis Ray and guest Susan Hobson the president of the Astoria Armory Board as they dive into the Armory’s past, presen...

Join host Astronemis Ray, as she talks with Pam Hollen and Ruth Benner of the Flavel House Garden Society. Pam and Ruth share insights into their volunteer work with the Clatsop County Master Gardeners program, the day to day garden work, the unique aspects of the garden and how they continuously do their best to honor the vision of the Flavel Family. Tune in and hear about what it takes to mainta...

The Early Years of the Astoria Regatta: 1894–1916 In this episode host, Astronemis Ray, chats with fellow LCPS Board member Lauri Serafin; who’s been diving deep into the Astoria Regatta’s roots(1894-1916). Together, they explore what those first celebrations looked like: steamboat races on the Columbia, elaborate parades, the crowning of early Regatta Queens, and how the festival brought together...

What does it take to preserve a hundred years of history, one stone at a time? Join host Astronemis Ray as she talks with Barry Brown, a master stone mason working in the old world tradition. From working on local restoration projects to leading and teaching stone masonry workshops, Barry shares what it means to keep the past standing tall through craftsmanship and community.

Join host Astronemis Ray as we explore the glowing history of Astoria, where vintage neon signs light up the past. We’ll dive into collector Jeff Daly’s lifelong passion for historic signage and the hidden gems he has displayed inside the Astoria Armory. Whether you’re a history buff or just love small-town charm, this episode shines a bright light on the soul of Astoria.

Join host Astronemis Ray as she speaks with Sara Meyer of “Sara’s Old Photos” as they talk about the importance of preserving the past through photographs. Sara shares insights into her photo collections and how it all began. Listen in as we explore how documenting the past through images helps preserve identity, culture, and untold stories that might otherwise fade away.

Join our host, Astronemis Ray, in this thought-provoking episode of The Preservationists. Listen in as we talk with local philosophers Seth Tichenor and Gad Perez-Tichenor as we explore deeper philosophical questions around historic preservation. Listen in as we unfold what it means to preserve a piece of the past.

Join our host Astronemis as she speaks with Danielle Keperling, who has worked full time in historic preservation since 2001 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. She works with her husband, Jonathan, at Keperling Preservation Services restoring 18th, 19th, and 20th century buildings for public and private clients, including the National Parks Service and Smithsonian Institute. Join us as we explore all the...

Join our host Astronemis Ray, as she speaks with dedicated volunteers of the Astoria Riverfront Trolley; Frank Kemp, Bob Kyle, and Bill Montero. Listen in as they share insights on how the Trolley is maintained. From the intricacies of the trolley’s interior and exterior, to the up keep of the tracks and engines. Tune in for all the behind-the-scenes stories that keeps this nostalgic transit syste...

Join Astronemis Ray, the President of the Lower Columbia Preservation Society and host of The Preservationists, as she speaks with Lauri Serafin about the fascinating history and ongoing restoration of the Forsstrom House. Listen in as Lauri shares about the Forsstrom Family and all the restoration work being done under Lauri’s dedicated care.

This month, Astronemis, speaks with Simo Ranta a local business owner of Simo Ranta Painting. Simo has worked on several fascinating projects in the community, including the carriage house next to the Flavel House, the Odd Fellows Building, and the Fort George Lovell Room. Listen in as he shares about his career in historic preservation painting, and what it takes to bring new life to old structur...

This month host, Astronemis Ray, interviews Abigail Mack the owner of the historic Doupe Building in downtown Ilwaco, WA located on 102 First Ave S. The Doupe Building has a very rich history in the community and is one of the beautiful historical buildings in Ilwaco. Listen in as Abagail talks about the ongoing preservation efforts that have been taking place at the Doupe Building.

Astronemis talks with Quinn Haase of the Seaport Masonic Lodge No. 7. Exploring the roots of Freemasonry in the area, we discuss the ongoing efforts to restore the Masonic Temple and what it would take to bring the historic building back to life. What is the Masonic Temple used for? How does the Masonic Temple get it’s revenue? What’s the current state of the building? Find out in this episode of...

In this episode of the Preservationists, Atronemis Ray interviews Charlene Larson, President of Partners for the PAC about the historic Charlene Larson Center for the Performing Arts. Hear all about the preservation and restoration efforts that have taken place, and that are planned to take place in the future.

In this month’s episode we dive into the fascinating world of architectural salvage. This month our host Astronemis Ray is joined by the owner of Astoria Vintage Hardware, Becky Johnson. Join us as we discuss the unique stories of salvaged materials, how architectural salvage is a sustainable practice, and how antiques and architectural pieces retain their character and are built to last, adding t...

Host Astronemis Ray talks with Mike Brosius the owner of the Gustavus Holmes mansion in Uppertown Astoria. Mike and his wife Laura recently completed a full restoration of their home. Listen in as Astronemis talks to Mike and Jo Lumpkin Brown who is retired set designer in the film industry who completed some of the restoration work on the home.

Did you know May is National Historic Preservation Month? The City of Astoria has traditionally celebrated National Preservation Month by presenting the Dr. Edward Harvey Historic Preservation Award to those who have contributed to the City’s preservation and architectural heritage. This month, host Astronemis Ray chats with Tiffany Taylor Astoria City Planner, and Rosemary Johnson a retired City...

This month’s host, Astronemis Ray, talks with the Liberty Theatre’s executive director Jennifer Crockett and cohost Eric Wheeler a tour guide of the architecture tours of the Liberty Theatre. Listen in as we discuss the history, revitalization, architecture details, and stories of the historic Liberty Theatre. Have you ever wondered why the McTavish room is called “McTavish” or how long the Libert...