Clatsop County Historical Society’s first lecture of the 2026 – 2027 TNLS discusses Vampira’s Astoria.
Long before becoming television’s first horror host, Maila Nurmi spent her formative years in Astoria. Best known as Vampira, the host of The Vampira Show and a performer in the cult film Plan 9 from Outer Space, Nurmi lived in Astoria from 1939 to 1941, graduated from Astoria High School, worked for the Astoria Public Library’s bookmobile service, and participated in community life before pursuing a career in entertainment.
Dr. Chelsea Vaughn, Deputy Director & Curator of the Clatsop County Historical Society, will explore Nurmi’s local connections and examine how her years in Astoria helped shape one of the most recognizable figures in horror entertainment.
Doors open at 6pm with food and beverages available via the Taproom window, talk starts at 7pm. All ages welcome and never a cover.
The Thursday Lecture Series is a recurring community lecture series every Thursday, October through May. Thank you to our 2026/2027 Partners –
1st Thursdays – Ales & Ideas w/ Clatsop Community College
2nd Thursdays – Wit & Wisdom w/ Philosofarian
3rd Thursdays – Thursday Night Talk w/ Clatsop County Historical Society
4th Thursdays – Nature Matters w/ Lewis & Clark National Historic Park, Lewis & Clark National Park Association, and North Coast Watershed Association
WHERE: Fort George Brewery Lovell Showroom, 1483 Duane St. Astoria, Oregon 97103 Map
