Collectors' Items

Who needs high art when you have nativities, old White House china and Super Bowl memorabilia? Check out highlights from the Akron-Canton area’s wonderful, sometimes wacky, museums.

1 US Air Force F-86D

At the MAPS Air Museum Based on the famed F-86A that battled the Mig-15 over Korea's skies, the F-86D was designed as an all-weather interceptor to combat enemy air attack. It was the first Air Force fighter to rely on an all-rocket armament, as well as the first single-seat, radar-equipped interceptor, where the pilot both flew the aircraft and operated the radar unit. It’s just one of 28 planes on view at this all-volunteer museum that's split between two massive buildings. 2260 International Pkwy, North Canton; 330-896-6332; www.mapsairmuseum.org

2 Slavic Cornhusk Nativity

At the Bethlehem Cave and Nativity Museum This cornhusk nativity — brought from Slovakia in 1998 — is one of about 500 crèches on display at the Bethlehem Cave and Nativity Museum, which features nativities from every inhabited continent. The museum, tucked inside Nativity of the Lord Jesus Catholic Church, grew organically from parishioners bringing nativities in to be displayed. 2425 Myersville Rd, Akron; 330-699-5086; www.nativityofthelord.org

3 Presidential China

At the National First Ladies’ Library Being a First Lady is tough work — but even they have to take a break to eat (on china, of course). The tableware often reflects the interests of the ladies of the White House, and based on the pieces on view, it’s clear that Lady Bird loved wildflowers, Lucy Hayes adored images of nature, and Mamie Eisenhower’s taste was, frankly, a bit dull in comparison. 205 & 331 Market Ave S, Canton; 330-4520876; www.firstladies.org

4 Super Bowl MVP Jerseys

At the Pro Football Hall of Fame After this year’s Super Bowl, you can almost feel the tension between the jerseys of Bart Starr (Green Bay Packers) and Lynn Swann (Pittsburgh Steelers), on view in the recently opened Lamar Hunt Super Bowl Gallery. There's plenty of other football memorabilia at the 83,000-squarefoot Hall of Fame, which is hosting the next Enshrinement on Aug. 6. 2121 George Halas Dr NW, Canton; 330456-8207; www.profootballhof.org

5 The Art of Invention

At the Invent Now Museum This portion of the current special exhibit (on view through September) features dramatic nebula images taken by the Hubble Space Telescope. In addition, visitors can learn how Henry Dreyfuss designed the Big Ben alarm clock and see how art can be found in unexpected places, such as in images of an MRI, E. coli, the Target trademark bull’s eye and the citrus press designed by Philippe Starck. 221 S Broadway, Akron; 234-678-6692; www.invent.org

6 Blue Santa

At the American Toy Marble Museum The Akron-based American Marble & Toy Manufacturing Co. — the first toy marble factory in the US — manufactured this original Blue Santa, made from pressmolded stoneware. Known as “Wishing Santas,” they were meant to be held while making a wish to Santa for Christmas presents. The museum is located on the former site of the factory, which produced a million marbles per day before it burned to the ground in 1904. Lock 3 Park, Akron; 330-396-1670; www.americantoymarbles.com