My first WMA conference was in October 2022 in Portland, Oregon, roughly two weeks after I started my current position. When preparing for the conference in Reno, I already had some context of what to expect. I knew to expect learning new skills, making new professional connections, and expanding my knowledge on collections work. However, I did not expect the connections this year to transcend on much deeper levels.
For the past three years, I have been making a concerted effort to say yes to professional development opportunities that come my way. As I have gotten familiar with and involved with other museum professional groups, such as the Northwestern Archivists and Registrar Committee Western Region, my professional connections have grown. Since I am involved with RCWR, I stepped out of my comfort zone and participated in the annual meeting’s CSI: Registrars group to volunteer at a local museum that needed assistance with collections. Although we were a small group, we were quite mighty. We inventoried over 100 artifacts from the Thunderbird Lodge Preservation Society, and we toured the Thunderbird Lodge on Lake Tahoe. I learned so much about an area that I knew next to nothing about, while also meeting other collections individuals facing similar issues at their respective institutions.
Building connections did not end with my CSI: Registrars experience; it was only just beginning. One of the sessions that I found most useful was related to museum professionals at various stages throughout their careers. I will admit, I was expecting the session to be a space for the attendees to share our woes; however, it was quite the opposite. The session was aimed at providing support and reminding us of the positive aspects of our jobs, as the nation grapples with uncertain times, which affects the museum world. The uplifting spirit made the connections incredibly genuine and allowed attendees to remember that we are needed in the world right now and to continue the necessary work we are doing.
Throughout the conference, I continually reminded myself that we are all here at the conference for the same reason. We are here to build connections and community. The relationships museum professionals cultivate during times like these are invaluable. Not only for career museum advice, but also as a safe space to consider the reality of what we are currently facing. Reminding ourselves that we have a responsibility to take care of ourselves, but also each other. Aside from who we all are in our professional lives, we are all human at the root of it, and those facets cannot be compartmentalized, as much as we try. Care for others, while taking care of ourselves, is paramount for the betterment of the museum field.
Kaitlynn Anderson is the Museum Curator at the Latah County Historical Society in Moscow, Idaho. She became interested in the museum field during her time in graduate school at North Dakota State University. Kaitlynn serves on the AASLH Women’s History Affinity Committee, the Moscow Kiwanis Club, and as a Girl Scout co-leader. Originally from Greensboro, North Carolina, she resides in Moscow, Idaho, with her dog, Wilbur.
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