Photos available

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Examine collections from across the region during the 33rd annual Collectors Day from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Jan. 21 at the Florida Museum of Natural History.

At this free event, visitors may see more than 90 collections ranging from U.S. military uniforms and Beatles memorabilia to classic cars and dolls.

“Each collection is a representation of recent history, culture and passions,” said Florida Museum education assistant Tiffany Ireland “Just as archaeologists study the artifacts from centuries ago, Collectors Day visitors can study the artifacts of the past century.”

Visitors may interact with collectors and discover the history behind their unique treasures.

“With the 100th anniversary of its sinking on April 15, the Titanic memorabilia collection is one visitors should be sure to see,” Ireland said.

Collectors Day is the museum’s longest running program and it has become an important event for many of the participants.

In memory of his wife, who passed away in November, Chuck Olsen of Gainesville will present her light house collection, which has been displayed at Collectors Day for the last 16 years.

During the 2011 Collectors Day event, 87 participants shared their treasures with more than 2,500 visitors.

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Source: Tiffany Ireland, 352-273-2061, tireland@flmnh.ufl.edu
Writer: Leeann Bright
Media contact: Paul Ramey, 352-273-2054, pramey@flmnh.ufl.edu

Photos available

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Join the Florida Museum of Natural History for the 32nd Collectors Day from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.

Collectors Day is the museum’s longest running event and attracts hundreds of visitors and collectors from around the region.

“There is such a large variety of collections that whether you enjoy classic cars, pop culture, history or animals, Collectors Day will showcase a collection that will engage and fascinate you,” said Kendra Lanza-Kaduce, Florida Museum education and public programs coordinator.

This year about 100 participants will display their unique collections throughout and outside the museum.

“More and more people are getting into collecting,” said Mary Christopherson, who has participated in 23 Collectors Day events, the most of any of this year’s participants. “It’s a part of living history.”

Christopherson will display her Titanic collection which includes authentic newspaper clippings, a piece of coal recovered from the Titanic’s wreckage, books and much more.

“I know a lot about Titanic and I have a lot of information to offer,” Christopherson said.

A variety of collections will engage every generation including classic cars, Simpsons collectibles and Star Wars memorabilia. Visitors may learn about each collection directly from the collector and view parts of the museum’s collection in the exhibit “Museum Collections are the Library of Life.”

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Writer: Leeann Bright
Media contact: Paul Ramey, 352-273-2054, pramey@flmnh.ufl.edu

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Register by Dec. 31 to display your collection at the Florida Museum of Natural History’s 32nd annual Collectors Day Jan. 22, 2011.

To register, visit www.flmnh.ufl.edu/collectors_registration.htm or call Tiffany Ireland, Florida Museum education assistant, 352-273-2061. Collectors of all ages are welcome and there is no charge for participating.

“Collectors Day is our longest-running event,” Ireland said. “It has been a part of the museum since 1980.”

In 2010, more than 4,000 visitors explored about 200 unique collections. This free event has featured a variety of interesting and eccentric collections including PEZ dispensers, Beatles paraphernalia, classic cars and pancake flippers. Presenting collectors have been as young as 4 years old, and one year, a dog displayed his stick collection.

“Collectors Day is a way to promote the importance of collecting to our society,” Ireland said. “What makes Collectors Day unique and intriguing is the talent and dedication of the collectors who want to protect and steward modern history.”

With 21 research collections ranging from Florida archaeology and Latin ethnography to invertebrate paleontology and Lepidoptera, the museum’s mission includes education on the importance of collecting and preserving specimens and information for future generations.

The museum recently began sharing its collections with the public through the new permanent exhibition “Museum Collections are the Library of Life.” Through acrylic-covered drawers, visitors may view specimens from each of the museum’s collections. The exhibit also includes historical information on the museum, which traces its roots to the late 1800s.

“Whether you collect fossils, art or pop culture memorabilia, that collection preserves history for future generations to study, enjoy and learn from,” said Darcie MacMahon, Florida Museum assistant director of exhibits.

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Source: Tiffany Ireland, 352-273-2061, tireland@flmnh.ufl.edu
Writer:  Leeann Bright
Media contact: Paul Ramey, 352-273-2054, pramey@flmnh.ufl.edu

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Join the Florida Museum of Natural History from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Jan. 23, 2010, for the 31st annual Collectors Day event. Meet local collectors and discover the history and enthusiasm behind their unique displays.

Registration to display collections is open through Dec. 31. Call Tiffany Ireland, 352-273-2061, for more information and to register. The Jan. 23 event is free and open to all ages.

“Collectors Day provides the public with an opportunity to become more than an observer at the museum while focusing on an important component of natural history museums and science — collecting,” said Florida Museum education assistant Tiffany Ireland. “Like scientists, the participants in the event collect as a way of exploring the diversity and history of their area of interest. This event provides them with the rare opportunity to share that knowledge and passion with others.”

This year the Florida Museum is inviting other museums, historical societies and libraries to join the fun. Their participation will show the public how well-documented and preserved personal collections can be the start of a museum or public program. The Waldo Hisotrical Museum, Hawthorne Cultural Center and the High Springs Library Oral History Collection are just a few of the institutions participating.

Miriam Welly Elliot, an avid collector of Beatles memorabilia, has attended Collectors Day since 1984 and started showcasing her collection in 1985. Elliot’s interest in collecting all things Beatles began in 1984 while attending Collectors Day. As she spoke to a collector at the event, they asked Elliot if she collected anything herself. After some thought Elliot realized she had a box of Beatles memorabilia she kept from her teen years.

From that point, Elliot began collecting Beatles jewelry, bubble gum cards, magazine clippings, statues, comic strips and more. Elliot’s most prized Beatles item is her ticket to a 1964 Beatles concert in Jacksonville, which she attended when she was 13 years old.

“Besides sharing my collection, I like hearing stories and memories others have about the Beatles,” Elliot said. “It’s nice to see a renewed passion for the band when I see 7- and 8-year-olds come up to me and say their favorite band is the Beatles, too.”

The 31st annual Collectors Day is sponsored by Home Court Sports in Gainesville.

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Source: Tiffany Ireland, 352-273-2061, tireland@flmnh.ufl.edu
Writer: Patti Nunez
Media contact: Paul Ramey, 352-273-2054, pramey@flmnh.ufl.edu

A list of participating collectors willing to speak with members of the media is available by request.

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The Florida Museum of Natural History will host its 30th annual Collectors Day from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Jan. 24. The event is free and open to the public.

“Collectors Day provides the public with an opportunity to become more than an observer at the museum while focusing on an important component of natural history museums and science, collecting,” said Florida Museum education assistant Tiffany Ireland. “Like scientists, the participants in the event all collect as a way of exploring the diversity and history of their area of interest. This event provides them with the rare opportunity to share that knowledge and passion with others.”

Visitors will encounter a wide variety of personal collections at this family-oriented event, ranging from corkscrews and antique cars to sports and war memorabilia. Local collectors will be available to share their passion for their collections.

Becky Guinagh, one of the collectors participating in this year’s event, said as a collector, she loves to share her interests and knowledge.

“Our son has shown his elephant collection for 20 plus years,” Guinagh said. “My latest collection is of Will Vawter, an Indiana artist of the early 1900s.”

Collectors Day is the Florida Museum’s longest-running and one of its most popular public programs. For more information call (352) 273-2061.

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Source: Tiffany Ireland, 352-273-2061, tireland@flmnh.ufl.edu
Writer: Marcel Raphael
Media contact: Paul Ramey, 352-273-2054, pramey@flmnh.ufl.edu

A list of participating collectors willing to speak with members of the media is available by request.

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The Florida Museum of Natural History will host its 29th annual Collectors Day from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Jan. 5. The event is free and open to the public.

Visitors will encounter a wide variety of personal collections at this family-oriented event, ranging from corkscrews and antique cars to sports and war memorabilia. Local collectors will be available to share their passion for their collections.

Collectors Day is the Florida Museum’s longest-running and one of its most popular public programs. For more information call (352) 273-2061.

Writer: Marcel Raphael
Media contact:  Paul Ramey, (352) 273-2054, pramey@flmnh.ufl.edu

]]> http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/pressroom/2007/12/10/florida-museum-hosts-29th-annual-collectors-day-jan-5/feed/ 0 http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/pressroom/2007/09/28/register-by-nov-21-deadline-for-fla-museums-29th-annual-collectors-day/ http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/pressroom/2007/09/28/register-by-nov-21-deadline-for-fla-museums-29th-annual-collectors-day/#comments Fri, 28 Sep 2007 14:44:30 +0000 Gerber,Logan R http://slurm.flmnh.ufl.edu/blogs/pressroom/?p=1269 Photos available

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The Florida Museum of Natural History will hold its 29th Annual Collectors Day on Jan. 5, 2008, and is now accepting registrations from collectors interested in participating in this free event.

Collectors Day is one of the Florida Museum’s longest-running and most popular public programs. Table space is limited and assigned on a first-come, first served basis. Interested collectors may register through Nov. 21.

For more information, visit www.flmnh.ufl.edu or call (352) 846-2000, ext. 277.

Writer: Christine Eschenfelder
Media contact: Paul Ramey, (352) 273-2054, pramey@flmnh.ufl.edu

Contact:
Paul Ramey, APR
Assistant Director, Marketing and Public Relations
Florida Museum of Natural History
(352) 846-2000, ext. 218, pramey@flmnh.ufl.edu
Writer: Lauren Williams
PHOTOS AVAILABLE

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The Florida Museum of Natural History will host its 28th Annual Collectors Day from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Jan. 20. This free event is one of the Florida Museum’s most popular public programs.

Visitors may view a wide range of collections ranging from stamps and elephants to sports and war memorabilia, and speak with the more than 60 area collectors expected to attend. For more information on Collectors Day, call (352) 846-2000, ext. 277. A list of collectors available for media contact is available by request.

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The Florida Museum of Natural History is Florida’s state natural history museum, dedicated to understanding, preserving and interpreting biological diversity and cultural heritage. It is located near the intersection of Southwest 34th Street and Hull Road in the University of Florida Cultural Plaza in Gainesville. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. Butterfly Rainforest admission is $8.50 for adults ($7.50 Fla. residents) and $4.50 for children ages 3-12. Prices subject to change. For more information, including directions and parking, call (352) 846-2000, or visit, www.flmnh.ufl.edu.

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The Florida Museum of Natural History will host its 27th annual Collectors Day from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Feb. 11. The event is free and open to the public.

Visitors will encounter a wide range of collections at this family-oriented event, including nutcrackers, classic cars and World War II memorabilia. Visitors also will have the opportunity to learn how collections contribute to science and conservation, make a collection book and take home tools to start their own collections.

For more information on Collectors Day, call (352) 846-2000, ext. 206. A list of collectors available for media contact is available by request.

Media Contact: Paul Ramey, (352) 846-2000, pramey@ufl.edu
Writer: Emily Banks

Visitors will encounter a wide range of collections at this family oriented event, including unicorns, classic cars and World War II memorabilia. Collectors also will answer visitors’ questions.

Lectures throughout the day in the Lucille T. Maloney classroom will educate visitors on why the museum collects, how to preserve collections and how collections and conservation work together. McGuire Center for Lepidoptera and Biodiversity Director Tom Emmel will present “Collecting Butterflies with Net and Camera” at 11 a.m.; Gordon Hubbell, president of Jaws International, will present “From Hobby to Obsession” at 1 p.m. and Florida Museum Registrar Elise LeCompte will discuss “Preserving Your Treasured Collection” at 3 p.m.

Children’s activities include a scrapbook table led by Florida museum staff.

For more information on Collectors Day call (352) 846-2000, ext. 246. A list of collectors available for media contact is available by request.

Writer: Kristin Ede
Media Contact: Paul Ramey, pramey@flmnh.ufl.edu