A Man with a Collection of “Interesting Things.”

Denny Daniel

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By James Ciambor

Collector, Cataloger and Museologist, Denny Daniel is all of these interesting things. As founder and curator of the Museum of Interesting Things, he stands as a beacon of passion and creativity.  A lifelong collector, he has been building his collection of antique and one-of-a-kind items that reveal a nearly lost past of gadgets, early mechanics and other everyday objects.  Denny Daniel’s collection has been featured in over 20 museum exhibitions. He also brings his items on tour, showcasing his collection in schools, hospitals, universities, galleries and libraries. He travels to these different places to share his collection as well as having a physical location for his items in NYC.

In my interview with Denny, he offered me a glimpse into the heart of his museum—an institution dedicated to showcasing unusual and historically significant artifacts that serve as “missing links” in the narrative of human invention and culture.

When discussing just how his fascination with collecting began, Denny said, “I kind of love patterns and storytelling and history and things that are creative. So the house was full of all these interesting things, and every time I'd get a new thing, I'd you know, when we'd throw the party I'd be like, oh, I got this Edison cylinder record player. I got this camera obscura or something, and we'd you know, I'd go into the history behind this or the history behind that.”

Denny’s journey into the world of collecting is deeply rooted in his lifelong love for storytelling and history. He articulates a vision for the museum that transcends mere display; it is a platform for education and engagement. Each artifact in the collection is carefully selected based on its educational value, uniqueness, and intrinsic “wow” factor, allowing visitors to connect with history, science, and culture in a tangible way

One of the most compelling aspects of Denny's love for history and gadgets is his emphasis on interactive learning. By encouraging visitors to engage with exhibits through touch and experience, he fosters a deeper emotional connection to the material. This hands-on approach aligns with experiential learning theories, making history not just a subject to be studied but a living story to be experienced.

 Although the collection is said to house over 6,000 items, Denny believes that he has recently exceeded that number. He agrees that he may soon need more physical space for the museum collection.  When it comes to collecting things, Denny believes each item has a story behind it, and he likes to share that story with others.

According to Denny there were 3 ingredients that made these items worth collecting. The first ingredient is the passion of the people that made the items. The second ingredient was the passion of the people that owned these items for over a century. The third ingredient was telling the story of each item and how it left a positive impression on people.

Throughout the interview, Denny underscored the importance of inspiring others and leaving a lasting legacy. When asked about what kind of legacy or impact he wanted to leave behind Daniel said “The only thing you leave behind are the people you inspire,” and it’s clear to see that  Denny has inspired countless people through his collection.

His advice to aspiring collectors is equally poignant: “Collect what you love and let passion guide your collection.” By encouraging individuals to pursue their authentic interests rather than conforming to trends, Denny champions a more meaningful approach to collecting—one that fosters genuine connection and lasting interest.

As Denny envisions a permanent museum space that combines exhibition, education, and a library, his commitment to creating a lasting cultural institution becomes clear. This ambitious goal not only reflects his dedication to the arts but also his understanding of the critical role that community plays in sustaining cultural heritage.

Denny is currently developing a documentary that chronicles his life and the evolution of the museum. He and the museum are being featured in the upcoming documentary entitled Sudden Times. The film is led by director Monroe Robertson and discusses the history of Denny’s museum from the 1980’s up until the present day. The film is divided into three parts including the museum’s origins, Denny overcoming adversity, and then eventually finding success in his work.

Further information on the museum and the film may be found at the following link:

The Museum of Interesting Things