About Heritage Auctions - Historical: Books

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  Upon graduation from Pepperdine, he made the decision to become a full-time dealer of historical documents, and opened his first office in 1985.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of the Manuscript Society and is widely recognized as the nation’s leading authority on entertainment memorabilia and historical documents.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.

Steve Ivy started his business in 1964 at the age of 14, advertising rare coins for sale in national publications. Six years later, at the age of 20, he incorporated and opened his business in a downtown Dallas high rise. In 1976, he incorporated a sister auction company. Steve managed the business as well as serving as chief buyer, buying and selling hundreds of millions of dollars of coins during the 1970’s and early 1980’s.  

In 1982, James Halperin merged his company with Steve’s, and the name of the corporation was changed to Heritage. Steve’s primary responsibilities now include management of the marketing and selling efforts of the company, the formation of corporate policy for long-term growth, and corporate relations with financial institutions. He remains intimately involved in all 50+ categories Heritage deals in today. Steve engages in daily discourse with industry leaders on all aspects of the fine art and collectibles business, and his views on market trends and developments are respected throughout the industry. He previously served on both the Board of Directors of the Professional Numismatists Guild (past President), and The Industry Council for Tangible Assets (past Chairman). Steve’s keen appreciation of history is reflected in his active participation in other organizations, including past board positions on the Texas Historical Foundation and the Dallas Historical Society. Steve is an avid collector of Texas books and manuscripts and owns one of the finest collections in private hands.   Steve is a past Board Chair of Dallas Challenge and is also the former Finance Chair of the Phoenix House of Texas. Phoenix House and its affiliates are collectively the largest nonprofit alcohol and drug abuse treatment and prevention facility in the nation. Steve now serves as a board member of the Rosenthal Center, an organization whose mission is to meet the informational needs of those grappling with addiction, of behavioral healthcare professionals in the treatment field, and of those policymakers whose decisions determine availability of and access to clinical and social services for the victims of addiction.   Steve is also currently Chairman of the Board of the National Center for Policy Analysis, a nonprofit, nonpartisan public policy research organization whose goal is to develop and promote private, free-market alternatives to government regulation and control, solving problems by relying on the strength of the competitive, entrepreneurial private sector.

Mary Kohnke serves as Consignment Director in the Rare Books department at Heritage Auctions, bringing more than 15 years of expertise in rare books, manuscripts, and archival collections. She joined Heritage following an accomplished career as Director of Rare Books and Manuscripts at Leslie Hindman Auctioneers (2008–2016), and as the founder of Ex Libris Appraisals, a private appraisal firm specializing in archives and collections of historical significance.

Mary holds a B.A. in Classics from Valparaiso University and an M.A. in Art History from the University of Notre Dame. She is a Certified Member of the Appraisers Association of America and is recognized for her rigorous scholarship, research-based approach, and deep understanding of the rare book and manuscript market.

Throughout her career, Mary has worked with a wide range of material—from early printed books and illuminated manuscripts to institutional archives and collections of cultural heritage—helping clients preserve, evaluate, and present important pieces of history.

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.