We’re launching a new Member Spotlight Series, in conjunction with CAA’s 2020 Membership Drive!
For this series we’ll be turning the spotlight on CAA members to share their experiences of getting interested in archives and working in the field, and how they have been involved with CAA and benefited from membership.
CAA Member Spotlight Series: Hathaway Hester
We're kicking off the series with Hathaway Hester, current Steering Committee Chair and long-time member of CAA.
Where do you work, and how long have you held your position?
I’ve worked at the National Association of REALTORS® Library & Archives since 2015, and have held my current position as Manager since 2018. Our Archives documents the history of NAR and the development of the real estate profession in the United States. While I’m primarily an archivist, I also contribute some library work as well. We have the largest real estate library in the world, by number of volumes, and have a user base of over 1.4 million. My colleagues and I are certainly kept busy!
How did you get into archives work?
Before I went to grad school, I had a couple jobs in special libraries and a job doing historical research. I followed this path to its logical conclusion and ended up focusing my studies on archives and special collections at Dominican University.
What is your favorite thing about your job?
The work is extremely varied. Through this job I have the opportunity to do research, work with collections, oversee projects, give presentations, write articles, develop my management skills, report metrics, and travel to NAR meetings and conferences.
Do you have a favorite collection or item in your repository?
I’m not sure if this counts as my favorite, but I literally would not be able to do my job without our collection of Board of Directors minutes. I consult them daily!
How long have you been involved in CAA and in what capacity?
I’ve been a member since 2006, but didn’t start volunteering with CAA until about 6-7 years ago. First I was a member of the Professional Development Subcommittee (now known as Programming), then went on to cochair that subcommittee for a few years. In 2018, I was elected to the Steering Committee and this past year have served as CAA’s Chair.
What is your favorite thing about being involved in CAA?
I’ve learned so much from my CAA colleagues and made some amazing friends!
What is your favorite thing to do in Chicago?
One of my favorites is Midnight Circus in the Parks, an organization that brings circus shows into communities across Chicago while raising money for local parks. I go to their shows every year; not only do I get to see amazing performers, but I get to support three of my favorite things: Chicago neighborhoods, our parks, and circus arts.
Share your story! If you are interested in being highlighted for the Member Spotlight or nominating another member, please contact us at info@chicagoarchivists.org.