Friends' fundraiser brings 'Roadshow' flavor to museum
The Friends of the Aiken County Historical Museum has planned a fundraiser that will bring the flavor of "Antiques Roadshow" to the museum.
The Friends will hold an Antiques Appraisal Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the museum. Admission is free, and light refreshments will be served; there will be a $5 fee per item to be appraised with a maximum of three appraisal items per person.
"We're calling it Aiken's own 'Antiques Roadshow,'" said Friends treasurer Penny Alexander. "We did one six years ago, and we're doing it again now as a fundraiser for the Friends, which will ultimately benefit the Aiken County Historical Museum."
The event will feature object appraisals by pottery expert Tony Riley, glass and bottle expert Bill Baab, art expert Barney Lamar, jewelry expert Walter Thompson and numismatist and philatelist Bob Popiel to assess coins and stamps.
"We realize it's a busy day with the Steeplechase, but sometimes people want a break from the crowds, and how fun will this be," said Elliott Levy, executive director of the museum.
"It's a great way to learn about Granny's gift to you and to see what other people have brought," said Friends Secretary Del Hickey.
The Friends of the Aiken County Historical Museum supports the museum's budget for landscaping, acquisitions and education programs, Hickey said.
"The Friends have been instrumental in the support they've given for projects like the south lawn, the acquisition of the ballroom piano and refinishing the doors," Levy said. "They provide our acquisition fund because sometimes we have to purchase these artifacts to tell the complete story of Aiken County. They also run the lecture series in January and February. Without the Friends, there would be a huge hole in Aiken County."
For more information about Antiques Appraisal Day, call the Aiken County Historical Museum at 642-2015.
Contact Suzanne Stone at sstone@aikenstandard.com.