WESTFIELD-As more people have had time to clean out closets, drawers, cellars and attics during the past year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Westfield Athenaeum is hosting a fun antiques appraisal road show program – “What’s It Worth?” on Feb. 10 to help local patrons find some answers.
The free, virtual program begins at 6:30 p.m. and is expected to last two hours.
“This has always been something that people are often looking for when they come to the Athenaeum,” said Becky Blackburn, public services librarian. “They find old things in their attic or it’s been handed down, or found during a clean out and they wonder if it’s worth anything.”
Blackburn noted that the first 30 attendees to register will be able to have an item appraised and should have another one as an alternate if possible in the event of camera difficulties or poor lighting.
“Audience members who do not have an item for appraisal are also welcome and will need to register so they can receive a Zoom login,” said Blackburn.
Mike Ivankovich, an auctioneer, appraiser, author and radio show host, will lead the program which will be divided into three segments. Ivankovich will begin the program with a 20-minute discussion on “10 Factors That Will Always Impact the Value of Your Treasures,” and then transition to the appraisal portion of the program, evaluating each attendee’s treasures, one-by-one. During the appraisal segment, he will also share many buying and selling tips and strategies.
Radio show host Mike Ivankovich will lead a virtual antiques appraisal road show, sponsored by the Westfield Athenaeum, on Feb. 10. (SUBMITTED PHOTO)
“Every house has a few treasures,” said Ivankovich, noting people are curious what their treasure is worth and what they should do with the item.
“That’s what we do with our Zoom appraisal programs,” he said, adding, “Sometimes we’re the bearer of good news, often we’re the bearer of disappointing news, but either way we get people going in the right direction.”
Blackburn promises that everyone’s treasures will be appraised who have signed up.
Registration can be done online at http://bit.ly/3awfzcS or by calling (413) 568-7833. The login will be sent out two hours before the program begins.
Blackburn noted at press time that 18 slots were still available for patrons having an item to appraise. Once those slots are filled, more “seats” for anyone who would like to watch the program will be offered.
“People having so much time at home there must be closets and drawers being cleaned out for the first time in years, and who knows what treasures people are finding,” said Blackburn.
