Leaving for a New Position

By Heather McCafferty, Faculty Curator

I have accepted a new position working as the Cultural Facilities Curator for Oroville City Museums(opens in new window). This includes The C.F. Lott Home, Pioneer Museum, Chinese Temple, Feather River Nature Center, and the Bolt Antique Tool Museum. I feel fortunate to begin this new work and leave feeling prepared after 12 years working at the Valene L. Smith Museum of Anthropology. I’ve been associated with the Department of Anthropology for many years. First, as an undergraduate student, where I received my BA in Anthropology in 1995. I returned in the early 2000s to begin my Master’s Degree in Anthropology with an Emphasis in Museum Studies. Receiving my Master’s Degree in 2008 opened many doors for me, including working as an Adjunct Faculty at Butte College for 8 years and a position at the Chico Museum as Curator.

I formally joined the museum team at VLSMOA in 2010. Over the years I have assisted with countless exhibitions, programs, and events. It has been a pleasure to work with students, colleagues, and faculty that I highly respect producing high-caliber work in an academic museum setting. I have met and worked with many wonderful and inspiring individuals during my time at the museum, and am grateful to each.

To quote the philosopher Rumi, “Life is a balance between holding on and letting go.” My hope is to continue my connection to the museum and museum studies program, offering internship opportunities to students and looking for other creative ways to partner. And, of course, come and visit the Oroville City Museums and say hello!