Maggie Bukowski Gaspar is the curator of Library, Manuscripts, and Photographs of Nevada State Museum, Las Vegas (NSMLV), one of seven museums and historical societies supported by the State of Nevada. “The mission of the NSMLV is to inspire and educate a diverse public about the history and natural history of Nevada.” Learn about Maggie Bukowski Gaspar…
Hometown: Redding, CA
First job: My first official job was working retail in high school and throughout my undergrad, but my first paid gig was picking up crab apples in the backyard for my dad at $1 per bag.
Favorite ways to spend your free time in NV: I love to visit the many ghost towns and abandoned buildings scattered around the state with my husband and family. I will also never say no to stopping at an antique store to see what treasures they have.
Your biggest accomplishment and why: My college degrees! I was the first in my family to go to college and the only one to complete an advanced degree. I am so thankful to have had the support of many wonderful educators and my family along the way.
The biggest obstacle you overcame: My own expectations of myself.
Someone who inspires you and why: Sarah Josepha Hale (1788-1879) was the longtime editor of the nineteenth-century’s most popular women’s magazine, Godey’s Lady’s Book. She inspires me for the dedication she put into her work (she didn’t retire until she was 90!) as well as her efforts to use her voice and position to advocate for causes she believed were important.
Advice to someone pursuing a career path in what you do: Take every opportunity, even if it only seems sort of related to what you eventually want to do. I once worked at a medical library and, although my training and what I do now is archives, not a week goes by that I do not use the skills I learned at the medical library. I am so glad I got a chance to work there. It expanded my understanding of what libraries could do and deepened my skill set in a valuable way.
Favorite quote: “I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship.” ―Louisa May Alcott, Little Women
Something someone would be surprised to learn about you: In my free time, I raise a wonderful flock of chickens.
What makes someone fabulous: Someone is fabulous if they do their best to help others around them and always try to look on the bright side of every situation.