In this episode, Nat speaks with longtime Jersey City advocate Charlene Burke about her journey from magazine publisher to neighborhood preservationist. Learn how Charlene helped establish the West Bergen-East Lincoln Park Historic District, her practical wisdom on civic engagement, and why speaking up at public meetings matters—even when you're nervous.

In this premiere episode, host Nat Kalbach introduces her journey from artist to storyteller, sharing how her paintings of Jersey City architecture led to deeper questions about neighborhood history and community connections. Learn how researching her own historic home inspired a book project and ultimately this podcast, where we'll explore the intersection of place, preservation, and personal stories.