Get your family heirloom appraised at Elgin library
When Mark Moran walked into an antique shop for the first time in 1973, it changed his future. In the last 40 years, the Wisconsin man has transitioned from collecting to dealing to writing books about antiques. Now he travels throughout the Midwest hosting antique appraisal events like the one planned for Sunday in Elgin.
The event is designed like a mini “Antiques Roadshow,” a program Moran has experience with, having done appraisals on the PBS show before. He will give individual attention to one person at a time from 2 to 5 p.m. in Community Rooms A, B and C at the Gail Borden Public Library, 270 N. Grove Ave.
Community members are also invited to watch the show for free.
“My role is not just as a historian and educator,” Moran said. “It's also an entertainer. I try to make the program as enjoyable and fun as possible.”
Moran has been traveling throughout Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, Iowa and Minnesota since he held his first program in August. He said he expects people to come in with family heirlooms or items they found at antique stores, garage sales or flea markets.
“For most people, the priority isn't finding out the value,” Moran said. “They want to find out the history and the back story.”
Moran's expertise covers fine art, furniture, ceramics, glassware, vintage photographs, advertising, folk art, assorted toys, metalware, clocks and costume jewelry.
The library is partnering with the Elgin Area Historical Society to host the appraisal event. The cost is $18 for each item to be appraised or $12 for historical society members. Proceeds from the event will benefit the museum.
Space is limited to get items appraised but interested antique owners should call the historical society to sign up at (847) 742-4248.