Want to know more about that framed oil painting you found in the attic or the porcelain doll collection left to you by your great grandmother? Curious guests will have their chance at the South Carolina State Museum during its annual “Museum Road Show” on Saturday, Jan. 19.
Inspired by PBS’s “Antiques Roadshow,” the program will offer informal (verbal) appraisals of a variety of objects from 10:30 a.m. –1 p.m. and 2 – 4:30 p.m. Experts will be available in the fields of fine art, silver, pottery, furniture, books, jewelry, textiles and dolls, as well as war artifacts ranging from the Civil War to World War II. State Museum curators will also be available for general discussion, but will not give appraisals.
Crawford Conservation Inc. will give tips on how owners can preserve and care for their priceless artifacts.
“The ‘Museum Road Show’ gives guests the opportunity to learn more about that heirloom or yard sale item they’ve always wondered about,” says Meika Samuel, director of education and programs.
“Sometimes the appraisal dollar value is a pleasant surprise and sometimes, maybe not! All in all, many people are glad just to know more about their items than when they walked in.”
Tickets are $15 for the first item to be appraised ($10 for Museum members), and $5 for each additional ticket up to the limit of four items to be appraised.
“Also, each appraisal ticket comes with a free general admission to the Museum,” said Samuel.
Participants are responsible for moving objects from their vehicles to the Museum’s atrium (where the event will occur) and back again. The Museum assumes no responsibility for loss or damage to any object.
For more information, call (803) 898-4952 or (803) 898-4902.
Items from antique silver to books, dolls, art, furniture, jewelry and more will be appraised at the South Carolina State Museum Saturday, Jan. 19 as part of the Museum’s annual Museum Road Show. Experts will give verbal appraisals for up to four items for a modest fee, which includes general admission to the Museum.
Photo by Susan Dugan/ courtesy S.C. State Museum