The Hands Preserving History concept began with a short intended to be made into a documentary by Michael J. Kofford, featured below.  The mini-film brought together the history of the Tall Ships bringing pianos and skilled craftsman to America from Europe, and the historical preservation of pianos by piano rebuilder Kendall Ross Bean.  In June 2021, Karen Lile Productions and Grays Harbor Historical Seaport partnered to develop the Hands Preserving History Project.

Tall Ships brought pianos and piano makers to America in 1784.  The original Lady Washington rounded Cape Horn in 1787 and brought International Trade to the Pacific Northwest. Today the Tall Ship Lady Washington partners with Karen Lile Productions to preserve and promote tall ship and piano history and the skills of the hands that make and maintain Tall Ships and pianos, including Pacific Northwest Piano Rebuilder Kendall Ross Bean and Grays Harbor Historical Seaport.