Trash or treasure: Appraisal fair coming to Tarentum history museum

For people who love a treasure hunt, the Tarentum history museum is the place to be Saturday.

Four appraisers affiliated with the Sen. John Heinz History Center in Pittsburgh will be on-site to assess the value of old jewelry, art, side tables, lamps and more.

“People seem to love this kind of thing,” said Jim Thomas, director of the Alle-Kiski Valley Heritage Museum. “You might find something in your attic or your garage, and you wonder if it’s worth anything. Or, if it’s junk.”

The event will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the museum at 224 E. Seventh Ave.

Robert Stakeley, Heinz History Center affiliates program manager, has encountered some unique and peculiar items brought for appraisals through the years. Among them are a gold railroad spike, a Honus Wagner baseball card, a book signed by Mother Teresa and a handwritten diary from a Civil War soldier.

“Each program provides us all with an opportunity to discover something new and unique and that ultimately helps us to learn more about the rich and diverse history of Western Pennsylvania,” he said.

The cost is $5 per item, with a limit of three per person.

“Anything they can carry, they can bring in,” Thomas said.

He expects a good crowd, in part because people like the possibility of striking it rich.

“You never know what an old family keepsake is worth,” he said.

At the very least, the program is educational.

Stakeley said appraisers look forward to helping people discover the historical significance of their family heirlooms.

“Many people in western Pennsylvania have stuff, items or heirlooms that they have been left or have inherited from a family member and they are looking to learn more about these objects,” Stakeley said.

The more information a person has about a piece of furniture, a photograph or diary, the more they might appreciate it, Stakeley said.

“When there is a better understanding or respect for an item, the more likely it is to be saved, studied and used for continued educational purposes,” he said.

The program will provide include advice on how to better take care of them, Stakeley said.

There will be no buying or selling during the fair.

Many people have asked for an Antiques Roadshow-style event, Thomas said, following a well-attended fair about two years ago.

It was so successful that he advised people to make a reservation for Saturday’s event at info@akvhs.org.