Personal collections in the Florida Museum spotlight Jan. 10

December 15, 2014

It isn’t common to find primitive tools, classic cars, paintings of World War II fighter planes, antique dolls and James Bond memorabilia under one roof. But all of that, and more, will be on display at the Florida Museum of Natural History’s annual Collectors Day from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Jan. 10, 2015.

The free event offers collectors a chance to share their passion with visitors during the museum’s longest-running public program, now in its 36^th year. More than 1,300 visitors attended the 2014 event.

Visitors will have a chance to interact with regional collectors and learn about the identity, history and context of their personal collections. “A collection is a representation of someone’s time in their life,” Florida Museum educator Tiffany Ireland said. She added that the age of collectors ranges from 4 to 80. Some of the displays are more than a century old.

In addition to individual collectors, organizations such as the Gainesville Dollings, Matheson Museum and Vette Set Corvette Club of Gainesville will be present.

Those interested in displaying their collections must register by Jan. 3, 2015. There is no fee to participate. To register, visit http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/events/collectors-day-registration/ or call Ireland at (352) 273-2061 for more information.