Board Member Spotlight: Katie Lowe

Where do you work? What is your job title and what do you do?

I am a Preservation Specialist at The Conservation Center for Art & Historic Artifacts! In my role there, I specialize in the preventive care of historic objects. I consult with museums, archives, and other collecting institutions and provide services like preservation needs assessments, risk assessments, and other as-needed consultations. I also teach webinars and workshops and participate in lots of lovely community programming!

What have you read lately?

I recently finished Chain Gang All-Stars by Nana Kwame Adjei Brenyah. It was phenomenal, and I've been thinking about it for weeks.

What are you watching?

I'm watching Trixie Motel for the first time and rewatching Derry Girls.

Why did you join the Museum Council/ board?

I get to collaborate with a lot of Philadelphia-based cultural and collecting institutions through my work, and I see this as a beautiful extension of that! I love the community of care we have established here. There are a lot of important changes happening in the field, and it's really exciting to be part of that through my daily work and a position on the Museum Council.

What are you excited about right now?

The Phillies currently have the best record in the National League East! I'm sure this answer is going to age horribly, though!

What advice do you have for emerging museum professionals on the job hunt?

When you're first starting out, it helps to strike a balance between patience and an open mind. Wait for something that feels really right for you, but don't be afraid to try some things that might feel a bit out there. I spent four years in social work between undergrad and my return to the field, and everything I learned during that period has been extraordinarily helpful in my current work. A lot of my coworkers have similar stories! "Trust the process" sounds cheesy, but there is genuine wisdom there.