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Opticianry (Dale Mabry): Visit the Stimson Collection at HCC

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The Russell Stimson Collection

bookshelves in stimson collection

What is the Stimson Collection?

At 900 volumes, the Russell Stimson Collection is the largest repository in the country of rare, classic books on optics. 

Where is it?

The Stimson Collection is in the DTEC building on the Dale Mabry Campus of Hillsborough Community College (HCC) in Tampa, Florida. Find DTEC on the Dale Mabry Campus map. Get more information about location, access, and contact.

How did it start?

Russell Stimson was a widely read author and owner of a large optical laboratory in California. The Stimson estate donated the collection to Canada College in Redwood City. When Canada College stopped offering an Opticianry program, the collection was placed in storage. The books were then purchased by William (Bill) Waterman who operated a private opticianry program in the San Francisco area. Bill and his wife Ann generously donated the collection to the HCC Opticianry Program. Bill is a former faculty member and Opticianry program manager at HCC.

Location, availability, and contact

Location

DTEC Building, Room 220A
4001 Tampa Bay Blvd
Tampa, FL 33630

Getting here

Access

  • For students and members of the opthalmic community.
  • By appointment only.
  • Books must be used on-site.

Contact