Man makes a career of profiling history
By Joann Groff joann@theacorn.com

IRIS SMOOT/Acorn Newspapers MOVIE MEMORABILIA- Profiles in History proprietor Joe Maddalena inspects a full-scale model T-800 endoskeleton from "Terminator 2: Judgment Day." Maddalena's passion for collectibles began when he was a child and has grown into a viable business based in Calabasas Hills.

Although Joe Maddalena just moved his business to Calabasas Hills earlier this year, he's had a lifetime of experience in scouting and collecting some of the most prized historical memorabilia, from presidential letters to autographed movie posters.

Born to parents who were antiques dealers, Maddalena learned to spot collectibles early, beginning with baseball cards. At 12 he organized the first local card show in New England, renting a venue in his hometown of Cranston, R.I. with his paper route money.

Although it began as a hobby, Maddalena realized his talent after attending Pepperdine University. While pursuing a career in broadcasting, Maddalena supported himself by searching out letters and memorabilia to send to auctions on the East Coast. In 1985, Maddalena began Profiles in History, a company now renowned for its guaranteedauthentic historical documents, manuscripts and photographs.

"It was the only thing I knew how to do that I really liked," Maddalena said. His offices, located in a Calabasas Hills business park, are packed with letters, costumes, scripts, photographs, even Golden Globes for bid.

"We have stuff coming in from everywhere, all the time,"he said. "Writers, directors, producers, set designers- they bring us stuff constantly."

Over the years, Profiles in History has grown to include a variety of items. In 1985, when Maddalena opened his business, the focus was mostly on letters, including some handwritten notes from Jefferson, Beethoven and Hemingway. About 10 years ago, Maddalena said, he noticed a tie between the written word and the big screen.

"Many great books become some of the most beloved films," he said. "There's a definite synergy between the client base, so we really started getting into movie memorabilia as well."

Although fairly new to the area, Maddalena has already stepped in to help a local school in its fundraising efforts. He recently put on an auction for Oaks Christian High School to help contribute to the school's new baseball stadium.

"I've known Janet and Wayne Gretzky for some time and they wanted to get rid of their storage," Maddalena said. "We raised $300,000 and now the (stadium project) is fully funded. It went well. The stadium should definitely be done by summer."

Maddalena has a son who attends Oaks Christian.

"We just love the area," Maddalena said. "That's why we moved out here. There's parking, and room in our offices. And we're reaching that area- Agoura Hills, Thousand Oaks- an area that's been so neglected."

Maddalena's items are all sold through auction. Bidders can come to the offices or bid through eBay. The next event dates are Dec. 13 and 14 at 11 a.m.

"The great thing about the upcoming auction is that (the items) make great Christmas presents," Maddalena said. "If someone's a big fan of a TV show or a film, you can get some amazing things for $200 to $600- signed photos or sketches- it's great."

Maddalena is a lifetime member of the Manuscript Society and the Universal Autograph Collectors Club. He is a board member of the Hollywood Entertainment Museum, Calmont School and the California Community Foundation.

More than 1,300 items will be featured in the auction next month. Catalogues can be picked up or downloaded from the website. Appointments are also available to examine items in person.

For more information, visit www.profilesinhistory.com.