7/30/25
About Joseph
Joseph Govednik is an experienced museum curator, educator, and community leader with a strong background in anthropology and museum studies. He previously served as Museum Curator at the Foss Waterway Seaport Museum in Tacoma, WA, and has held roles with the California Academy of Sciences, Lindsay Wildlife Museum, National Japanese American Historical Society, and the C.E. Smith Museum of Anthropology at California State University. Joseph has also taught anthropology, sociology, and economics as an adjunct instructor at various private and community colleges in the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond. Joseph is actively involved in professional and community organizations. He currently serves as Secretary for the Kelso Business and Community Association, Kelso Public Library Advisory Board, and Kelso Public Library Foundation Board. He is the Chair and Founder of the Heritage Association of the Lower Columbia and serves as Chair of the St. Rose School Commission. His past leadership roles include serving as President of the Heritage League of Pierce County and the Washington Museum Association, as well as Vice Chair for the City of Lacey Historical Commission and the Pacific Northwest Maritime Heritage Council. He also volunteers as a Reserve Deputy Coroner for the Cowlitz County Coroner’s Office. Joseph holds a B.S. in Sociology and Anthropology from Southern Oregon University, an M.A. in Anthropology from California State University, an M.A. in Museum Studies, and an M.B.A. from John F. Kennedy University. Joseph and his wife Erin have been married for 12 years and live in Longview with their daughter, Nora, and their Basset/Beagle mix, Ranger. Joseph enjoys making a positive impact in the community and supporting local heritage initiatives.