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McAtee
The McFaddin-Ward House announced Beaumont native Katherine McAtee as the museum’s new registrar and assistant curator, assisting Curator of Collections Victoria Tamez with a variety of curatorial work, including cataloguing of McFaddin-Ward collections in accordance with standard museum practices, conservation of artifacts, care of historical archival photo and negative collection, and object photography.
She will also be responsible for maintaining inventory of exhibited as well as stored artifacts, maintaining accurate records pertaining to collection items, and assisting in curatorial activities such as exhibit planning and execution, public programs, and interpreter training.
McAtee graduated from the University of Alabama last fall with a bachelor’s degree in history with a focus on the American South. While earning her degree, she worked for Historic Tuscaloosa, serving as a docent for three of the organization’s historic sites, including two historic homes and a historic inn. She was also a summer intern with the Beaumont Heritage Society.
“I loved getting to work inside the beautiful homes Historic Tuscaloosa owns and maintains and meeting new people, making connections, and sharing excitement with people about the homes,” McAtee said. “When I interned for Beaumont Heritage Society, they were moving into a brand-new collections building, and I was so fortunate to be there and witness that. I really enjoyed seeing how a collections space was built and designed with the home’s collection in mind.”
As a graduate of Monsignor Kelly Catholic High School, McAtee said she has grown up admiring the McFaddinWard House and is looking forward to learning more about the house and the history of the McFaddin and Ward families.
“It was sort of bizarre walking through the house when I got the job and remembering moments of my childhood that I spent there,” said McAtee. “I can remember the warm feeling that visiting the house and seeing the employees’ joy and excitement gave me, so to come back 15 years later and be a part of that magic is something I do not take for granted for a second. I am so unbelievably grateful to be working for such an amazing organization and cannot wait to see what the future holds.”