More than two dozen Florida collectors will participate in the History Center’s annual “Collectors Day,” on Sunday, May 5, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

​Private collectors from throughout the bay area will display their eclectic personal treasures in the museum’s galleries, offering everything from political memorabilia and WWII propaganda posters to vintage cameras and action figures. In all, about 30 collections will be on view, featuring Tampa cigar industry memorabilia, pins and buttons, meteorites and more.

As part of Collectors Day, archivists from the History Center will be on hand to talk with the public about the do’s and don’ts of preserving and displaying sensitive documents or family heirlooms.

“Sometimes people can do more harm than good when trying to save family photos or other documents,” said Malerie Dorman, the History Center’s curator of collections. “This is an opportunity to learn some best practices and get one-on-one advice.”

Guests can also check out “History by the Pint: Beer and Brewing in Tampa Bay,” currently on exhibit at the History Center. The exhibition features rare, beer-related artifacts, including bottles and vintage advertising signage and ephemera. Also on exhibit is “On Track: A History of Florida Railroads,” which features rare railroad maps dating back to the 1850s. Both exhibitions are included with admission.

Selected highlights from the History Center’s collection of more than 80,000 objects and artifacts related to Tampa Bay and Hillsborough County’s history will also be on view. 

Collectors Day is included with regular admission to the History Center, and families can also enjoy children’s activities in the museum atrium.