Rod Hansen

Note: This is one in a series of spotlights on MOI staff members who have been named a “Keefer Fellow,” a monthly program aimed at recognizing staffers for their contributions to the museum and the community. This month, our Director of Exhibitions.

Q: Explain what you do at the museum in 20 words or less.

Rod: I and an extraordinary team to ensure our galleries are filled with fascinating items/stories for the public to explore.

Q: What’s a museum-related accomplishment that you’re particularly proud of?

Rod: Keeping alive the vision and passion of those who served the museum before me. I hope the museum continues to inspire.

Q: What do you do for fun?

Rod: I enjoy live performances… though Covid has put a damper on that of late.

Q: What would you do for a career if you weren’t doing this (and if money were no object)?

Rod: I would hope to be directing at a university or regional theatre.

Q: What’s the weirdest / most interesting past job you’ve had?

Rod: I was a “Kelly Girl” in D.C. for over a year while working another job in the evenings. {You may have to look that one up.}

(Most unique?) I worked as a stage manager for large illusion/sleight-of-hand magician.

Q: Name a setback in your life that has ended up being a good thing.

Rod: I missed taking a required undergraduate course that was only offered every two years and was forced to attend another semester. I took a full load along with the requirement and graduated with two bachelor’s degrees, rather than one.

Q: What’s something – large or small, useful or not – that you’re really good at?

Rod: I can drive anything with wheels, tracks, or hooves… wings could be in the future.

Q: What were you like in high school?

Rod: Square peg in a series of round holes.

Q: What’s your favorite book, movie, and TV show?

Rod: It is far too difficult to name just one of any of the categories as the top ten or 20 continue to reposition with mood, but:

• Book: To Kill a Mockingbird affected me greatly.  I just re-read The Plague by Camus. Things haven’t changed much from his 75-year-old thoughts: “It’s a matter of common decency. That’s an idea which may make some people smile, but the only means of righting a plague is common decency.” — Bernard Rieux, physician
• Movie: The Quiet Man or Midnight Clear
• TV: As Time Goes By or M*A*S*H
• (Audio recording: Tom Waits, Closing Time)

Q: Tell us something about you that might surprise us.

Rod: I graduated from the Santa Monica School of Massage as a Certified Massage Therapist.