Yep, you nailed it. I've been collecting for over 30 years and I must
initiate any "showing" of my shells... usually to club, school, or church.
In one case I set up a showing of shells at the local library.
Interestingly, I have never had anyone in my shelling club ask to see my
shells. I have more than 10,000 shells, in many families, so I consider it a
reasonably good collection.Occassionally I get calls from traveling shell
collectors / dealers who want to see my Strombus collection and sell or
trade shells. Furthermore, I have offered the local museum the use of my
shell library of more than 250 books and many periodiclas . Never got a
response.
But I'm not really griping. I spend 2 to 3 hours a day with my shells and
books. What a way to retire ! I love it !
Here's my open invitation: I'd love to share my shells and books with you
Bring TWO forms of identifcation.   :-)

Winston Barney
Fort Worth, TX

> Doesn't having a collection mean that others see your collection? >
> I've been collecting for 40 years and never had any serious collector
visit.