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Join us as we explore the rich tapestry of America through conversations with guests from around the U.S. Each episode dives deep into the invaluable work of state and local Museums, Historical and Genealogical Societies. These dedicated organizations are the unsung heroes, preserving our heritage and culture one community at a time. From bustling cities to small towns, they safeguard our collective past for future generations. Discover how these vital institutions, our ”Preservation Oaks,” ensure our stories live on.
Episodes
32 minutes ago
32 minutes ago
Sean Radcliff explores how genetic-genealogy tools are transforming family-history research, sometimes validating long-held trees, sometimes completely rewriting them. We cover how DNA testing works, how you can use it to improve accuracy in your research, and what to do when the results don’t match your assumptions. Whether you’re a family genealogist, a professional researcher, or simply curious, join us to learn how DNA can disrupt, correct and enrich your family narrative.
Also included is The Genealogy Lab with Diana Crisman Smith and a Baseball segment.
Have a DNA surprise of your own? Email us at preservationoaks@gmail.com. Available now on all major platforms: Podbean, Spotify, Apple, YouTube and more.
Monday Apr 06, 2026
Monday Apr 06, 2026
Join us on Preservation Oaks as we explore the most fascinating museums and historical societies across the U.S.!
Episode 119 of Preservation Oaks takes us into the foothills of Colorado to explore the history of Conifer, a community shaped not by a central main street, but by people, travel routes, and shared experience. Board member Christa Johnson joins us from the Conifer Historical Society to discuss how local history is preserved through places like the Little White Schoolhouse and why community storytelling matters more than ever.
The Conifer Historical Society is truly one of our nation's Preservation Oaks!
Contact information for the Organization:
Website: www.coniferhistoricalsociety.org
Email: info@coniferhistoricalsociety.org
Phone: (303) 736-9963
Facebook: ConiferHistoricalSociety
Society Home: 26951 Barkley Road, Conifer, CO 80433
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 295, Conifer, CO 80433
Monday Mar 23, 2026
Monday Mar 23, 2026
Preservation Oaks is all about showcasing the coolest Museums, Genealogical and Historical Societies across the U.S.
Join us as host Sean Radcliff talks with JoAnn Rasmussen, Chair of the Palisade Historical Society, about the compelling history of Palisade, Colorado. From peaches and coal mines to community heritage. Learn how this iconic town preserves its past and invites you to be part of its story. PLUS: The Genealogy Lab with Diana Crisman Smith! Tune in now!
The Palisade Historical Society is truly one of our nation's Preservation Oaks!
Contact information:
Email: info@historicpalisade.org
Website: https://www.historicpalisade.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PalisadeHistoricalSociety
Instagram: @historicpalisadeco
Museum Address: 3740 G Road, Palisade, CO, United States, 81526
Mailing Address: PO Box 631, Palisade, CO 81526
Phone: 970-812-3064
Monday Mar 09, 2026
Monday Mar 09, 2026
Preservation Oaks is all about showcasing the coolest Museums, Genealogical and Historical Societies across the U.S. In this episode, we feature the Colorado Chapter of Palatines to America in Colorado! Sean gains insights from President Jennifer Bigham, Sandy Carter-Duff, Kay Mariea, and Jerry Schaefer. Learn how this historic society has helped thousands trace their German-speaking ancestors, what events and resources they offer, and how listeners can get involved.
The Colorado Chapter of Palatines to America is truly one of our nation's Preservation Oaks!
The contact information for the Organization:
Contact information:
Website: https://www.copalam.us/
Email: contact@copalam.us
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/coloradopalatinestoamerica/
National Organization: https://www.palam.org/
Colorado Chapter Mailing Address: P.O. Box 51186 • Colorado Springs, CO 80949
Monday Feb 23, 2026
Monday Feb 23, 2026
Preservation Oaks is all about showcasing the coolest Museums, Genealogical and Historical Societies across the U.S.
Episode 116 features Stephanie Gilmore, Curator at the Golden History Museum & Park! Tune in as Sean explores Golden’s fascinating past, exhibits, and how history comes alive today. Don’t miss this deep dive into local heritage, preservation work, and community stories.
#Golden #Colorado #History #PreservationOaks
The Golden History Museum & Park is truly one of our nation's Preservation Oaks!
The contact information for the Organization:
Physical Address: 923 10th St., Golden, CO 80401
Phone: (303) 278-3557
Website: https://www.goldenhistory.org/
Facebook Page: Golden History Museum & Park
Listeners can visit the museum Tuesday–Saturday, 10 AM–4:30 PM (hours vary slightly by day) and admission is ALWAYS free.
Monday Feb 09, 2026
Monday Feb 09, 2026
In this special episode of Preservation Oaks, Sean takes listeners on a journey into the forgotten corners of attics, basements, closets, and barns, where history often hides in plain sight. From Civil War diaries to WWII love letters, Underground Railroad documents, and family Bibles with hidden records, we explore real discoveries that transformed family stories and deepened our understanding of the past.
Learn what to look for in your own home, how to preserve and interpret your finds, and why these seemingly small objects hold the power to reconnect families and communities across generations.
Tune in and discover how the next great piece of history might be waiting in your own attic.
Monday Feb 02, 2026
Monday Feb 02, 2026
Preservation Oaks is all about showcasing the coolest Museums, Genealogical and Historical Societies across the U.S.
Part TWO: Join host Sean Radcliff and guest Travis Boley, Association Manager of the Oregon-California Trails Association (OCTA) in a two-part episode, as they explore the legacy of America’s iconic emigrant trails, the ongoing work of preservation, and how you can help protect these remarkable historic corridors.
The Oregon-California Trails Association is truly one of our nation's Preservation Oaks!
The contact information for the Association:
Website: https://octa-trails.org/
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1019, Independence, MO 64051
Physical Address: 524 South Osage Street, Independence, MO 64050
Phone: (816) 252-2276
Email: Octa@indepmo.org
Facebook: (search Oregon-California Trails Association) OCTA1982
Instagram: Oregon-California Trails Association
YouTube: @octatrails
Monday Jan 26, 2026
Monday Jan 26, 2026
Preservation Oaks is all about showcasing the coolest Museums, Genealogical and Historical Societies across the U.S.
Join host Sean Radcliff and guest Travis Boley, Association Manager of the Oregon-California Trails Association (OCTA) in a two-part episode, as they explore the legacy of America’s iconic emigrant trails, the ongoing work of preservation, and how you can help protect these remarkable historic corridors.
The Oregon-California Trails Association is truly one of our nation's Preservation Oaks!
The contact information for the Association:
Website: https://octa-trails.org/
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1019, Independence, MO 64051
Physical Address: 524 South Osage Street, Independence, MO 64050
Phone: (816) 252-2276
Email: Octa@indepmo.org
Facebook: (search Oregon-California Trails Association) OCTA1982
Instagram: Oregon-California Trails Association
YouTube: @octatrails
Monday Jan 12, 2026
Monday Jan 12, 2026
Preservation Oaks is all about showcasing the coolest Museums, Genealogical and Historical Societies across the U.S. Step back in time as Preservation Oaks explores one of Utah’s most immersive heritage experiences — The American West Heritage Center in Wellsville Utah!
Our guest, Karen Larson, Education & Living History Manager, reveals how the Center brings the years 1820–1920 to life through hands-on exhibits, costumed interpreters, pioneer farms, historic structures, school programs, and more. If you love history, the American West, genealogy, or great storytelling — this is an episode you won’t want to miss!
The American West Heritage Center is truly one of our nation's Preservation Oaks!
The contact information for the organization:
Website: https://www.awhc.org/
Address: 4025 South Highway 89-91, Wellsville, UT 84339
Phone: (435) 245-6050
Email: heritagecenter@awhc.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmericanWestHeritageCenter/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/americanwesthc/
Monday Dec 29, 2025
Monday Dec 29, 2025
In this episode of Preservation Oaks, host Sean Radcliff sits down with Jen Mason, Executive Director of the Colorado Snowsports Museum & Hall of Fame in Vail Colorado.
We explore the museum’s mission, the remarkable history of skiing and snowboarding in Colorado, and the role of a cultural institution in a world-class mountain resort. Join us as we dive into how the mountain-town story shapes our national heritage.
Have comments or questions? Email us at preservationoaks@gmail.com. Thanks for listening — please like, follow, comment, and subscribe.
The Colorado Snowsports Museum & Hall of Fame is truly one of our nation's Preservation Oaks!
The contact information for the Organization:
Website: https://www.snowsportsmuseum.org
Phone: 970-476-1876
Address: 231 S Frontage Road East, Vail, Colorado 81657
Facebook: facebook.com/ColoradoSnowsportsMuseum
Email: museum@snowsportsmuseum.org
Monday Dec 15, 2025
Monday Dec 15, 2025
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At Preservation Oaks, we love highlighting the most interesting museums, genealogical societies, and historical organizations across America. In this episode, we’re joined by two exceptional guests: Genealogists Diana Crisman Smith and Kelley Conner Lear. Together, we dive into a lively, down-to-earth conversation about genealogy — what works, what matters, and how anyone can get started or grow as a family historian. Their insights, tips, and encouragement are truly invaluable. Tune in and discover something new! Contact information for our guests: You can email Diana Crisman Smith via email at: TalkGenealogy@gmail.com. You can email Kelley Conner Lear at: learindustries@me.com.
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Monday Dec 01, 2025
Monday Dec 01, 2025
Preservation Oaks is back with another captivating episode featuring the hidden gems of museums and historical societies across the U.S.!
This time, we’re focusing on Breckenridge History in Breckenridge Colorado.
Join Sean Radcliff in conversations with wonderful guests Larissa O'Neil and Susan Gilmore, who reveal the fantastic work Breckenridge History is doing and how you can get engaged.
Don’t miss your chance to learn more about what they offer and how you can join in on the fun! Tune in now!
Breckenridge History is truly one of our nation's Preservation Oaks!
Contact information for the Organization:
Website: https://breckhistory.org/
Digital archives: https://breckhistoryarchives.org/
Facebook: BreckenridgeHistory
Phone: 970-453-9767
Email: info@breckhistory.org
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 2460, Breckenridge, CO 80424
Welcome Center: 203 South Main Street
Administrative Office: 102 North Harris Street
Monday Nov 17, 2025
Monday Nov 17, 2025
You're listening to Preservation Oaks, the podcast that connects you to the rich history of museums, cultural institutions, and the dedicated individuals preserving America’s past.
In a special episode, host Sean Radcliff shares an intercepted message from space.
Don’t miss this enlightening discussion—listen now to Preservation Oaks!
Monday Nov 03, 2025
Monday Nov 03, 2025
Welcome to another episode of Preservation Oaks, where we celebrate the incredible museums and historical societies across the U.S.!
This time, we’re shining a spotlight on the Creede Underground Mining Museum and Community Center in Creede Colorado.
Join Sean Radcliff as he sits down with the Director, Heather Brophy, who shares the fantastic events and services the museum provides. Tune in to learn more about what they offer and how you can join the excitement! Don’t miss it!
The Creede Underground Mining Museum and Community Center is truly one of our nation's Preservation Oaks!
Contact information for the Organization:
Website: https://undergroundminingmuseum.com/
Facebook: Creede Underground Mining Museum
Email: miningmuseum@mincocolo.com
Mailing Address: PO Box 422, Creede, CO 81130
Visiting Address: #9 USFS Road 503, Creede, CO 81130
Phone: 719-658-0811