About Heritage Auctions - Historical: Manuscripts

Joseph “Joe” Maddalena joined Heritage Auctions as Executive Vice President in January 2021 following an unparalleled 35-year track record of success as the founder of Profiles in History, which he built into the world’s largest auctioneer of coveted Hollywood memorabilia and popular culture keepsakes.  Some of the iconic items he brought to market included Luke Skywalker’s light saber, Dorothy’s ruby slippers, Indiana Jones’ whip and Peter Fonda’s Easy Rider chopper, along with the 2011 Debbie Reynolds auction that was highlighted by Marilyn Monroe’s Seven Year Itch “subway dress” realizing $5.52 million.  

Born into a family of antiques dealers in Rhode Island, Joe learned early on how to turn his passion for collecting historical autographs into a career.  Upon graduation from Pepperdine, he made the decision to become a full-time dealer of historical documents, and opened his first office in 1985.  Profiles in History now owns virtually every Guinness Book record for prices of original screen-used memorabilia.  Joe is a lifetime member of the Manuscript Society and is widely recognized as the nation’s leading authority on entertainment memorabilia and historical documents.  In addition, he starred for three seasons in Syfy’s Hollywood Treasure, which gave viewers an inside look at the world of showbiz and pop culture memorabilia.  

Joe brings deep and long-lasting relationships with major collectors in a myriad fields, as well as an encyclopedic knowledge of multiple categories such as nature and science, rare books and wine. His years of experience in these numerous categories and expansive role at Heritage will allow him to serve clients far more efficiently and effectively than ever.

After attending the University of Louisville (KY), Michael worked in the Consumer Electronics industry. In 1983, he joined the Universal Autograph Collectors Club, and became a dealer in a wide range of collectibles in 1985. Adopting the Internet early, he moved into website design and development in 1995, an area where he has received numerous awards. Michael joined Heritage in 2004 and has done cataloging work for Music & Entertainment Memorabilia, Americana & Political Memorabilia, Historical Manuscripts, and Space Exploration.

An industry leader who joined Heritage as International Director of Rare Books and Manuscripts with 35 years of experience, Francis Wahlgren has handled some of the most important rare books and manuscripts ever sold at auction. He began his career at Christie’s in 1987 as a porter in the books department. During his 27 years with the firm, he rose through the ranks to become Department Head, followed by International Department Head, and finally International Director. 

Since 2018, Wahlgren has acted as an independent consultant in the field, most recently doing work for American Book Prices Current and Hindman Auctions in Chicago. He also has been an auctioneer since 1991, and has appeared regularly as a specialist on Antiques Roadshow since 1995.

Wahlgren’s skills and knowledge have worked to establish an extraordinary track record that further positions Heritage to expand upon its status as a front-runner in the field.