Today we’d like to introduce you to Anna Hehman
Hi Anna , it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
The Cincinnati Observatory was founded in 1843 and is known as ‘The Birthplace of American Astronomy.’ It houses one of the oldest working telescopes in the world and was the first public observatory in the country. In the mid twentieth century, the Observatory fell into disrepair and in the late 1990’s, it was restored to its original beauty, the Observatory is a fully functioning 19th century observatory used daily by the public and amateur astronomers. The main telescopes are an 11-inch Merz and Mahler refractor from 1845 – the oldest public telescope in this hemisphere – and a 16-inch Alvan Clark and Sons refractor from 1904. The historic buildings are designated as a National Historic Landmark, and the grounds provide a serene, park-like setting while still being centrally located in the city of Cincinnati.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The Observatory at one point in the mid 20th century fell into a time where as a public observatory, we were not focused on research, and our telescopes, while historic, are not cutting edge for research. So there was a time the usefulness, for lack of a better word, of the Observatory was questioned. Luckily, the Observatory was able to reinvent itself not only earning National Historic Landmark, but as a thriving public educational resource in the community. The Observatory today works with 35,000 people annually, including 13,000 students through their field trip and youth outreach programming.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am the Observatory’s Executive Director, and the first woman to hold this position in the organization’s 181 year history. My background is in organizational management, non profit development, and strategic planning. I have been at the Observatory for 10 years and have been proud to help lead the organization to grow and thrive as a vibrant community institution. Our budget has doubled and we have grown from 3 employees to 11 full time and 2 part time employees in my time at the Observatory. I’m very passionate not only about historic preservation but in education equity, which we provide by having STEM programs that are free of charge for underserved student groups.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
My advice for those starting out to be to find what really excites you and interests you and try to do that every day in your work. This could be your actual career, a hobby, an organization you are involved in, etc. As you get older, you will want to have that passion to drive you. Also, I would share that manners matter ane that treating people well will never be a waste of your time. Starting out I wish I knew that just because I was young or a woman, and/or dealing with someone higher up didn’t mean I had to be deferential or make myself or my ideas small. There is also no excuse for people to expect you to allow them to treat you badly.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.cincinnatiobservatory.org
- Instagram: cincinnatiobservatory
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cincinnatiobservatorycenter
