Other objects of intrigue include spoons like a ceremonial Native American potlatch ladle that belonged to Andy Warhol and 10 different spoons NOT used for eating. Remember the original blue Metrocards? Inspector Collector's got 'em. "Plus purple, green, and orange ones too; and subway, bus and train tokens from across the U.S.A.”

The list goes on and on. “18th-century autographs; bobblehead dolls from Queens; ‘heavy’ tags from airplane luggage, and miniature boxes,” the loquacious I.C. continues, ”not to mention ’64 World’s Fair memorabilia that’s been with me since age 5, toy boats, chewing gum, scissors, bottle caps, and more. "People are especially intrigued by my Chinese menus.” This collection, which spans 3 centuries and 6 continents, has been described as "a rare and important global treasure, an homage to human mobility.”

Renowned artist Lady Pink will paint a trompe l'oeil newsstand displaying newspaper stand paperweights from the 1950s. There will be “MAPETERIA,” a room where adults are not allowed, not even peeking (once inside, kids inspect a giant collection of unique maps and think about “who draws the lines around the countries?”) There’s also the “CHOOSEUM,” a hands-on area with workbenches where visitors make projects with a golconda of supplies. 8 mystery objects will challenge kids to make correct guesses and win prizes from the Museum shop. This is a wide-ranging exhibition designed for families, school tours, professional educators, and special-interest groups.

“Junior Collectors Day,” will be held on October 10th, when kids of all ages are invited to exhibit their collections at the Museum. Exhibition cases and tables will be spread throughout the galleries and children and adults will share their prized possessions with the general public. Experts will be on hand to help people learn more about their “cool stuff.” The Queens Library will provide books on collecting, and Internet searches will be available. Applications for Junior Collector’s Day are available at the exhibition or at IC@InspectorCollector.com.

A life-long accumulator of ordinary things we often take for granted, Inspector Collector celebrates the passion for collecting. His insatiable appetite for collecting has taken him to six continents, and a career in museums and education that has spanned three decades. He’s on a professional quest to see what 21st-century kids collect, and to ignite their passion for knowledge by delving into the intellectual value of their collections. What makes something acquire personal meaning? How old is it? Who made it? Is it rare? Is it genuine? Why is it designed the way it is? Does it confer social status and power, or is it made for other reasons? Does it tell a story? Do you love it?

“Inspector Collector’s Cool Stuff” will be held in the Queens Museum of Arts’ ArtZone, a hands-on gallery for children made possible by Emigrant Savings Bank.

WHAT KIDS ARE SAYING ABOUT INSPECTOR COLLECTOR

I really enjoyed your part in our day. In fact I found it the most enjoyable part of my day. Lyle, 11

I’m collecting your handouts now because they’re pretty. All my collections are special to me because it helps me do things in life and it makes me look forward to good things. I look forward in giving my children my collections and passing it down from generation to generation. Latisha, 12

My collection represents my personality. I collect Bookmarks = I love to read. Sharon, 9

We never had a science teacher like that. Michael, 7

Do you really just come here to make us happy? Chantalle, 5

I enjoy collecting because it makes me feel proud of myself. Juan, 7

I hope to pass on my collection to the next generation. I hope they will love it just as much as I do. Shun Lee, 10

I might or my following relatives may make a museum. I enjoy collecting because I collect unusual things. I think collecting is my place in the sun. Lowell, 11

The best pieces in my collection are my books because I use my imagination and my books are fun and interesting to read. All my collections are special to me because it helps me do things in life and it makes me look forward to good things. Kevin, 13

My collections are very cute, cool, and I love they way they look and how they are useful. It’s fun, easy and almost free. And it makes me happy. Melissa, 9

Thanks for all the fun times. I will always have you in my memory. Rose, 8

Dear IC – I had a lot of fun with you. Lesson Learned: Don’t say “oooo” or “eeewyo” say “hmmmm” let me try that! Tybree, 12

Dear IC – Thanks a lot for coming to our classroom and teaching us abut autographs, hair, shoes, paper money, and Chinese menus. My favorite lesson was about the Chinese menus. You taught us a lot about China. You made me smart! Sincerely, M. Chang. P.S. You are the Best!

IC, Thank you for all the things you taught us. You are the best in the whole world, and earth. Have the Best time you never had. Justin, 10

Dear Inspector Collector, I think you forgot to show us your last collection, your heart. Your friend at P.S. 53, Olivia. P.S. I love you.

WHAT ADULTS ARE SAYING ABOUT INSPECTOR COLLECTOR

Are you Inspector Collector? ‘cause my son woke up this morning saying “oh goody its Inspector Collector day.” Otto, Rye, NY

My son Dylan was getting frustrated. Of course I was getting frustrated helping him and trying to decipher what he was doing. At just the right moment, the Inspector came by and gracefully (and gratefully) noted, “You can be an engineer. You are very careful and you watch how everything works, you check the outside and the inside.” Turns out, my little boy is a genius! Holly Reich, The Parent Paper

It’s a great way to get kids and adults alike involved in the art of collecting, while introducing them to history, science and art, and building a lifelong relationship with our wonderful NYC museums. New York City Department of Cultural Affairs

Your work, and the manner in which you collaborated with the entire staff, parents and of course our children, has made the 1999 Art Show the absolute best our school has ever produced! I salute you for your fabulous endeavor and for bringing special meaning to Art at P.S. 93. Stuart Gimpel, Principal

Well thought out plans that enhanced speech/language skills as well as mathematical and reading concepts! Well done. 2nd-grade special education teacher, Staten Island

You are a terrific educator, a consummate professional, and an all-around groovy guy! Laura Dickstein, Manager of Education, Museum of the City of New York

Both children and adults were mesmerized by his enthusiasm, creativity, knowledge and overall presence. He always arrived with a burst of energy and a smile on his face. He spread good feelings and sparked the quest for continuous knowledge. B. Roit, Teacher

Harley Spiller brings warmth and enthusiasm to his work which is augmented by his personal collections and his network of international collectors and colleagues. He is imaginative and flexible in his curriculum design. Above all, his kindness and sensitivity to the children and their interests made him and his program a high point of the children’s learning experience at Camp Junior Museum. L. Nettleton, Newark Museum.

Thank you very much for making learning fun and exciting! B. Quinones, PS1 teacher, Tottenville, NY

Thank you ¬so much for the collecting club. Scott has loved it and often talks about you and your collections. You have opened his eyes to the intrigue of everyday life and all its collectibles. Carla and Bob Franchi, parents

It’s great to see a teacher such as yourself out there who can earn the respect of children by treating them with respect, and who can teach them by learning from them. Chris P., Teacher, The Dalton School, NY