The Bromeliad Society International (BSI) Archive consists of historical materials, including photographs related to cultivation of bromeliads; field notes related to the collection of bromeliads in the wild; list of plant entries in judged bromeliad shows; incoming and outgoing correspondence from early bromeliad growers; biographies; administrative records of the BSI such as, copyright registrations, copies of meeting minutes, annual reports, and bylaws; BSI publications; and ephemera, including posters and pins. The purpose of the BSI is to promote and maintain public and scientific interest in the research, development, preservation, and distribution of bromeliads, both natural and hybrid, throughout the world.
Materials collected by Bruce Ground documenting his life, business, and activism, 1966-2013. Included are documents, memorabilia, photographs, and other items donated by Bruce Ground. These items pertain to his business, personal life, projects, and general accomplishments and achievements. Born in 1962, Bruce Ground spent the first part of his life in Kentucky, living on his family farm. In 1985, Ground moved to Florida and became involved in the Metropolitan Community Church (MCC), a local gay-friendly church in Tampa. It was there he met Marty Pelham, who helped Ground to open his first bookstore, Tomes & Treasures, with him 1987. Pelham left the store in 1990, leaving Ground to own and operate the store as the sole owner and manager. In 1992, Bruce Ground and Gary Bailey, Ground's partner, opened Out & About Books, Orlando's first gay and lesbian bookstore. After his partner's death, Ground continued to operate Out & About Books for another four years before its eventual closing on January 31st, 2001. As of 2023, Bruce Ground resides in Orlando, Florida.
