Parke-Bernet used to do "Heirloom Discovery Days" at museums around the country.  They looked like  mini-Antiques Roadshows with five or six appraisers who were skilled in various disciplines.  The event had to be hosted, not by the museum, but by a non-profit outside group such as
the Junior League, with profits designated to be given to the museum.  They were quite successful.
Regards,
Chuck Watkins
The Appalachian Cultural Museum

"Jeremy T. Chrabascz" wrote:

> Discussion Question -
>
> In my view, no museum or historic site can "safely" host, sponsor or in any
> way endorse an antique show without severely muddling the ethics involved
> and confusing the public (especially a public museum or site with an
> association to state or federal government).
>
> Can anyone cite a specific example of a "successful" antique show or
> appraisal fair hosted by a non-profit historic/preservation entity?  How
> were the ethics issues resolved?  How was the event presented to the public?
>
> From evaluating items' monetary value on site to the potential for
> artifacts not being handled properly in front of the public, I see nothing
> but red flags and mixed messages being sent by museums being associated
> with such an event.  Wouldn't the public then view that site as a place to
> go to have their objects formally evaluated and get confused when they are
> later turned away?
>
> I am open to comments and suggestions.  Perhaps I may be swayed.
>
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