Treasures from the early days of Bermuda’s postal history have been brought to the Island by US collector David Pitts — who held a private reception, opened last night by Governor George Fergusson, at the Masterworks Museum of Bermuda Art.

The Virginia-based healthcare mogul has brought the collection to the Island as he celebrates his 75th birthday tomorrow with a fireworks display over Hamilton Harbour.

The visit has brought a some 250 guests and dignitaries from overseas.

“I love Bermuda — who doesn’t?” Mr Pitts told The Royal Gazette. “When you die, you don’t go to heaven, because you’re already there.”

Mr Pitts’ award winning collection, which includes three rare Perot stamps, has been on display at the Paget gallery for the last week, and will remain on show until Monday.

“I’d say it’s the best ever — I’m not bragging; I’ve been told that by philatelists who’ve seen the collection of Bermuda stamps. It’s the best ever assembled.”

Calling himself a historian at heart, Mr Pitts said the exhibition told a story that spanned Bermuda’s early history, from 1620 to 1874

The showcase of stamps and postal artefacts was gathered by curator Art Groten from Mr Pitts’ vaults of material, and includes a letter from the Rich family in Bermuda, penned in 1620, which is the oldest known letter from Bermuda to England — and the oldest privately-held letter from any British territory to the UK, he said.

“This is my 20th visit — I love Bermuda, and if I could afford it, I’d live here.”