As a country we have shifted from a country known for what they produce to a country known for what they consume. Both my kids got their degrees and have careers in the service industry. In other words they don't produce a physical product. And...if you look around that's where most well paying jobs are these days.
I said all that to say this....most younger people are not as mechanical/industrial minded as they were a few decades ago. I don't think our collections mean much to them. It's hard for them to relate to an era that they did not grow up in.
As to it's importance, I suppose every collectable hobby believes their stuff is historically significant. Whether it be railroad collecting, antique cars, or fishing lures.
