The Inaugural National Vintage Baseball Photography Collectors Convention is scheduled for March 27-29, 2026 in Waxahachie, Texas, just 45 minutes from DFW Airport.  The event will run from Friday afternoon through noon on Sunday and will be hosted by Jim Chapman.

Despite its grand name, this gathering is intentionally informal, more of a weekend retreat than a show. it will be the first event of its kind devoted exclusively to vintage baseball and sports photography.  Attendance will be limited to 30 guests to ensure an intimate and enriching experience.  Many contributors to Baseball Photography of the Deadball Era have already committed to attend, making this the ultimate getaway weekend for collectors as we kick off a new baseball season.

Our hobby typically plays out on online forums or at large card shows like The National, where photographs – and the people who love them – can get lost in the crowd.  This convention is designed to change that. For the first time, leading collectors and experts will come together for a photography-only event.  It’s a rare chance to meet fellow hobbyists face-to-face, share insights, build friendships, and enjoy the camaraderie that simply isn’t possible online.

This is not a card show.  There will be no booths or maze-style showroom.  Instead, the weekend will take place in the cozy sitting rooms and wraparound porches of a beautifully appointed historic bed-and-breakfast.  Expect relaxed conversation, knowledge-sharing, and a few optional talks on topics of interest.  Paul Reiferson, one of the leading photo connoisseurs in the hobby, will be presenting a talk on photo aesthetics. Deron Dixon, one of the leading photo researchers in the hobby, will be presenting on research tools to help identify the locations and dates of the photos we love.  I will be presenting on Deadball Era photography and as well as on the preservation and restoration of photos and the ethics thereof.  We will likely have a representative from a major auction house presenting on the photo market and trends they have noticed.

While there are no formal dealer setups, attendees are encouraged to bring items from their collections for informal display, trading or sale.  You’ll have the opportunity to view exceptional photographs that you might otherwise never encounter – a true “if only we could gather all the photo collectors from The National into one room” experience.

We have secured the entire venue exclusively for the convention. While there is no charge to attend, participants will be responsible for their lodging and meals. A limited of rooms are available onsite, through me, at $450 total for Friday and Saturday nights (There is a waitlist for rooms at the host B&B, so let us know if you want to be added to the list). Regardless, additional hotels and bed-and-breakfasts are located within a five-minute drive at a variety of price points, so plan to come even if you end up staying in a nearby accommodation.  If you prefer historic lodgings, I would suggest checking Airbnb or VRBO as there are a cluster of such lodgings around the historic downtown square.  Many guests have also arranged lodging at the Hampton Inn which is about a 5 minute drive to the event venue.

Please let us know if you plan to attend and whether you need assistance securing accommodations.

For questions or to reserve your spot, contact us at [email protected] 

We look forward to seeing you in March!

Jim Chapman