THATCHER WIRTZ
Portland
Summary
Collections and inventory professional with experience packing, transporting, photographing, documenting, and tracking physical objects. Background includes museum collections work, public service, records and database entry, safe object handling, and hands-on work with tools, materials, and job-site organization.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Collections Manager / Collections & Visitor Experience Coordinator
Pittock Mansion Society
Portland, OR
01.2022 - 01.2026
- Managed accessioning, cataloging, inventory, and documentation for historic house collection, ensuring comprehensive records for future reference.
- Prepared loan paperwork and coordinated safe transport and care of artifacts, facilitating seamless transitions between museum and private collections.
- Coordinated object review and documentation for deaccession project, enhancing storage management practices and maintaining detailed records.
- Trained staff, volunteers, and interns on condition reporting, database use, collections care, and preventive handling procedures.
- Assisted with exhibit preparation, installation, deinstallation, object handling, mount placement, and internal coordination.
- Supported daily museum operations by assisting visitors, answering questions, following exhibit guidelines, and completing museum store transactions.
Collections Intern / Collections Volunteer
Japanese American Museum of Oregon
Portland, OR
01.2018 - 01.2021
- Facilitated safe transportation, rehousing, organization, and digitization of collections materials to improve accessibility and preservation.
- Developed condition reports, accession portfolios, and PastPerfect entries to meet museum standards and enhance collection documentation.
- Communicated project progress to collections manager and executive director, ensuring alignment on objectives and timelines.
Collections Assistant
Portland Chinatown Museum
Portland, OR
01.2018 - 01.2020
- Handled diverse collections materials, including textiles, documents, paintings, and archival objects, ensuring proper care and documentation.
- Updated collection records across physical files, Microsoft Excel, Dropbox, and PastPerfect.
- Created metadata for archival materials, rehoused records, and reported progress to museum leadership.
- Collaborated with staff, registrar, conservator, and collections manager to facilitate exhibits and manage incoming acquisitions.
- Packed, transported, photographed, and inventoried collection materials for seamless transfer between storage and museum locations.
Student Researcher
Oregon Health & Science University - Casey Eye Institute
Portland, OR
01.2007 - 01.2010
- Conducted literature reviews to support ongoing eye research initiatives.
- Assisted in data collection and analysis for clinical trials involving ocular diseases.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to design experimental protocols and methodologies.
- Entered patient information into Progeny genetic pedigree software, managing sensitive research records with attention to confidentiality.
- Organized and maintained patient and sample information documents to ensure accurate data tracking.
Education
Master of Arts - Museology
University of Washington
Seattle, WA01-2022
Bachelor of Arts - History
Portland State University
Portland01-2017
Associate of Science Oregon Transfer Degree -
Portland Community College
PortlandSkills
- Inventory tracking
- Records management
- Fragile material handling
- Condition reporting
- Exhibition coordination
- Object packing and transport
- Visitor engagement strategies
- Software proficiency
- Collection care techniques
Websites
Timeline
Collections Manager / Collections & Visitor Experience Coordinator
Pittock Mansion Society
01.2022 - 01.2026
Collections Intern / Collections Volunteer
Japanese American Museum of Oregon
01.2018 - 01.2021
Collections Assistant
Portland Chinatown Museum
01.2018 - 01.2020
Student Researcher
Oregon Health & Science University - Casey Eye Institute
01.2007 - 01.2010
Master of Arts - Museology
University of Washington
Bachelor of Arts - History
Portland State University
Associate of Science Oregon Transfer Degree -
Portland Community College
ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE
- Vaughn Environmental Inc., Portland, OR | Eco Roofer / Landscaper | 2017-2018
- Maintained commercial and residential building grounds and eco roofs and installed irrigation systems following client specifications.
- Handled, arranged, and transported materials, tools, and equipment at commercial and residential job sites.
- Homer's Fences and Decks, Portland, OR | Laborer | 2013-2015
- Installed and maintained residential fences and decks according to client specifications and project needs.
- Cleaned work areas, transported materials and tools, and supported residential construction projects.
- C'est Si Bon, Portland, OR | Cook | 2017
- Set up and broke down a food stand at farmers markets and prepared food for service under time-sensitive conditions.
- Communicated with customers and coworkers while maintaining clean and organized work areas.