Expert appraiser Allen Rodgers examines a flag at the appraisal fair.
The Montana History Foundation and Fort Benton Museums invite the public to bring fine art, rare and valuable treasures, historic objects, and interesting items to the Montana Antiques Appraisal Fair, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 22, at the Montana Agricultural Center in Fort Benton.
Expert, celebrity appraisers Timothy Gordon, Grant Zahajko and Allen Rodgers will provide verbal valuations. All three appraisers have appeared on the popular PBS program “Antiques Roadshow” and have extensive knowledge and experience appraising a variety of items.
Think you might have a treasure hiding in plain sight? Items to bring could include a painting, sculpture, textile, rug, ceramic object, photograph, western or Native American artifact, sports memorabilia, militaria, doll, or any other object or oddity (no firearms please).
“What I find happens is people will bring something in and they’ll have a general idea about what it is, but often times it’s something different,” says Gordon. “Any given day something incredible can walk through the door and that’s what the carrot is for the appraisers.”
Bring up to three items per person ($15 each) or six items per couple to be appraised. General admission for spectators is $5 at the door. Purchase appraisal tickets online at www.mthistory.org/antiques-appraisal-fair. All proceeds from this fundraising event will benefit both The History Foundation and The Fort Benton Museums.
“Montana has its own unique flavor and history,” Gordon says. “I maintain that it’s a pretty fascinating place compared to other western states. I feel it’s got a bigger story to tell than other places in the West.”
The Montana History Foundation started in 1985. It is an independent, non-profit corporation preserving the rich legacy of Montana’s past, one story, one community, and one project at a time. With the help of donors, the MHF has put nearly $700,000 into history projects in Montana communities. For more information, including how to donate and apply for grants, visit www.mthistory.org.