As we enter 2026, the world of Star Wars collecting is shifting from private basements to public preservation. In a recent livestream, the team at Cinema Relics sat down with the legendary Steve Sansweet to discuss his journey, his massive archive, and the ambitious future of Rancho Obi-Wan.
A Lifetime of Collecting the Galaxy
Steve Sansweet is not just a collector; he is the definitive historian of the Star Wars merchandising phenomenon. During the interview, Sansweet recalled the “first bite” of the bug: a media screening at 20th Century Fox ten days before the original film opened in 1977.
“I can remember after the movie was over just feeling this sense of awe and then going up to the public relations man and asking for my ticket back as a souvenir,” Sansweet shared.
From that single ticket stub to a collection that now boasts between 400,000 and 500,000 items, Sansweet has seen it all. He famously transitioned from a “poor journalist” at the Wall Street Journal to the Director of Content Management and Head of Fan Relations at Lucasfilm, a role he held for 15 years.
The Birth of the Saga Museum
The biggest news from the Cinema Relics interview involves the next evolution of Rancho Obi-Wan. Currently a nonprofit museum in Petaluma, California, the site is outgrowing its current footprint. Sansweet revealed a “purpose-built” vision for the next decade: The Saga Museum of Star Wars Memorabilia.
This new institution aims to combine four of the world’s largest Star Wars collections into one massive, permanent facility. This isn’t just about toys; it is about cultural preservation.
Why a Permanent Museum Matters
- Community Building: A space for fans to “geek out” together in a physical environment.
- Educational Legacy: Teaching the pre-production process, from concept art to finished product.
- Asset Protection: Ensuring that rare items, like the “human hair Chewbacca painting” Steve jokingly regrets not buying, have a forever home.
The Rarities and the Weird
What makes the Steve Sansweet Star Wars collection so unique is his love for the “quirky.” While he still collects Hasbro figures and LEGO, he finds joy in the fan-made and the unauthorized.
| Item Category | Notable Examples mentioned by Sansweet |
| The Holy Grails | Empire Strikes Back AT-AT, Sideshow Dewback |
| The Bizarre | Star Wars themed toilet paper, unlicensed “Princess Leia” hygiene products |
| The Music Crossover | Neil Young 1978 concert posters featuring Jawas |
| The Unique | San Francisco Giants “Lightsaber” baseball bat |
Sansweet noted that while he used to be a “completist,” he now focuses on items with a story. He highlighted the “action figure tower” at Rancho Obi-Wan as a piece that bridges generations, connecting “Original Trilogy” fans with those who entered the franchise through the prequels or streaming series.
A Brotherhood of Collectors
Perhaps the most insightful part of the discussion was Sansweet’s “code of conduct.” Despite the competitive nature of high-end collecting, he emphasizes a community of respect. He noted that major collectors often alert one another to rare finds rather than “backstabbing” for a deal.
He credits this community spirit for the success of Star Wars Celebration, an event he helped pioneer. From the “Mudstock” of Celebration I to the massive 200-Stormtrooper march in the Rose Parade, Sansweet has always put the fans first.
How You Can Support the Vision
The Saga Museum is currently in its fundraising and planning stages. As Sansweet noted, “It’s up to us to preserve this legacy.” Fans looking to support the mission can visit the Rancho Obi-Wan website to learn about memberships and tours.
You can check out the full interview in the embedded video above. Would you be interested in touring the Saga Museum? Leave your thoughts in the comments section below.
