Christmas Nativity Collection Display

Date: December 3, 2024



How does a collection begin? Well, for Kevin Emmerson, Multi-media Specialist for Kettering Health, his collection of nativities began in 1996 on a trip to Costa Rica. He was looking for a souvenir to help him remember his time in the country, and he found a nativity scene he brought back home with him.

First nativity in Emmerson's collection, purchased in 1996.
The first nativity in Emmerson’s collection, purchased in 1996.

On his next international trip, he saw another nativity and realized they might be a fun thing to collect. “Over the years it made trips both memorable and challenging as I scoured new places for the perfect, unique nativity to bring back home,” Emmerson says.

It’s difficult for him to choose a favorite set, but when pressed Emmerson says it’s one he picked up in Kenya made of cornhusks. “I was driving through Kenyan wheat fields in the heart of Masai territory,” he remembers. “As I rounded a bend, there was a gas station in the middle of nowhere. I pulled in to get gas, not knowing when I would find any again, and when I went in to pay I saw several small boxes on a shelf next to jugs of motor oil. Looking more closely, I saw a hand-drawn depiction of the box contents–a corn husk nativity set. I picked it up immediately, and it’s been a treasure ever since.”

Emmerson’s favorite nativity, purchased in a gas station in Kenya.

When he first began to accumulate his collection, which now numbers over 120 sets, Emmerson felt like he was the only person collecting nativities. But as the years have gone on, he’s met more people with collections, big and small. There’s even a national club called Friends of the Creche with annual conventions! Locally, the University of Dayton Marian Library has an impressive collection of over 3,600 nativities. Each Christmas they display a small number of them and rotate them annually so that there are different sets featured. For more information on the UD display visit their website.

Spring Valley Academy was lucky enough to play host to Emmerson’s collection a few years ago, and again this year 95 sets from his collection are on display during the Christmas concert season in the showcases in the Junior High hallway. We invite you to take a few moments to appreciate the collection during your concert season from now until December 19.

In addition to his duties at Kettering Health, Emmerson has also been a Spring Valley Academy volunteer for many years, serving on the SVA Gala committee, helping to prepare videos for events, and being a supportive and generous community member. Thank you, Mr. Emmerson, for your ongoing generosity and for sharing your beautiful collection of nativity scenes with us!