The Preservationists

Brought to you by the Lower Columbia Preservation Society and KMUN, The Preservationists features monthly interviews with students and professionals working to preserve historic locations in the Lower Columbia Pacific region. Hosted by Astronemis Ray.Find out more about the LCPS at lcpsociety.orgKMUN is a community radio station, broadcasting from the studios of the Tillicum House in Astoria, Oregon. We serve the coastal communities of southwest Washington and northwest Oregon. Find out more at kmun.org

31 episodes

12d ago latest

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English language

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Episodes 31

The Preservationists – August 18, 2026
12d ago · 29:00
Astronemis Ray shines a light on literature and how it relates to history. A panel of guests, Suzanne Harold, Rachel Jensen, Lauri Serafin and Eric Wheeler, discuss books they picked out for the episode.
The Preservationists – July 21, 2026
1mo ago · 29:00
Astronemis Ray speaks with Lauri Serafin about the fascinating history of the Astoria Reggata.
The Preservationists – June 16, 2026
2mo ago · 28:59
Astronemis speaks with Misty Czillinger and Rob Charnock from the Lower Columbia Preservation Society about the organization’s new tool lending library!
The Preservationists – May 19, 2026
3mo ago · 28:58
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.
The Preservationists – April 21, 2026
4mo ago · 29:01
Join host Astronemis Ray and architectural historian Eric Wheeler to explore an exciting new walking tour project launching this May led by the Lower Columbia Preservation Society. Designed to bring local history to life, the tour invites participants to discover the stories behind some of Astoria’s most distinctive buildings and spaces.
The Preservationists – March 17
5mo ago · 1:00:01
Join our host Astronemis Ray as she chats with Lauri Serafin, vice president of the Lower Columbia Preservation Society, and City Historian John Goodenberger for a special one-hour edition of The Preservationists focusing on the Tillicum House, the historic home that now serves as the headquarters for the KMUN radio station but has been many...
The Preservationists – February 17th, 2026
6mo ago · 29:00
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.
The Preservationists – January 20th, 2026
7mo ago · 29:00
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...
The Preservationists – December 16th, 2025
8mo ago · 29:00
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...
The Preservationists – November 18th, 2025
9mo ago · 28:59
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...
The Preservationists October 21st, 2025
10mo ago · 29:02
Lauri Serafin interviews Leila Collier and Eric Williams on the history of Astoria’s Soumi Hall and plans for its renovation.
The Preservationists – September 16th, 2025
11mo ago · 29:00
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 Preservationists – August 19th, 2025
1y ago · 28:59
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...
The Preservationists – July 15th, 2025
1y ago · 29:00
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 Preservationists – June 17th, 2025
1y ago · 29:00
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...
The Preservationists – May 20th, 2025
1y ago · 29:00
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...
The Preservationists – April 15th, 2025
1y ago · 29:00
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...
The Preservationists – March 18th, 2025
1y ago · 28:59
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.
The Preservationists – February 18th, 2025
1y ago · 29:00
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...
The Preservationists – January 21st, 2025
1y ago · 29:00
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...
The Preservationists – November 19th, 2024
1y ago · 25:05
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...
The Preservationists – October 15th, 2024
1y ago · 28:59
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...
The Preservationists – September 17th, 2024
1y ago · 28:59
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...
The Preservationists August 20th, 2024
2y ago · 28:45
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.
The Preservationists – July 16th, 2024
2y ago · 29:00
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...