The Project
How It Started
My mom loves what she calls “antiquing.” It’s mostly window shopping, but she can hardly resist going into any shop that hangs a sign with the word “antiques” on it. This obsession started before I was born, and somehow she just had to find a way to get me interested in her hobby. Early on this meant having me hunt for particular items. But by the time I was late into grade school, the items she had chosen no longer interested me.
Now that I think back, it’s kind of sad that “collectible” items commemorating a date in 1976 ended up in antique shops after about a decade. But they did. And since I was getting dragged along, she started buying me the inexpensive plates when I found one unique to me. They would adorn my walls as the collection grew all the way through college.
How It’s Going
My collection has been in file boxes for over two decades now and it was just time to do something with it. I’m not currently collecting more physical items, but I would love your help in adding virtual ones! A quick search of Bicentennial collections reveals I own only a fraction of the items produced for the patriotic celebration.
If you have unique items, additions to my existing collections, or specific knowledge of these collectibles, I invite your input and participation. I’m looking for high-quality pictures of any Bicentennial items to display in this virtual museum. Please reach out if you would like to participate.