Out-of-town visitors arriving at the museum at 10 AM on Saturday, November 10, must have wondered what in the world was going on! Lines of people were forming outside. Many folks were carefully holding mysterious bundles and boxes, even chairs and tables. All were waiting for the doors to open.

Inside, museum staff members, board members and volunteers were ready to assist those bringing their antique items to our first-ever Appraisal Fair. At 10 AM sharp, the doors opened and the day began.

Over in the Annex and new West Annex, 7 certified appraisers began to assist visitors by appraising their items. From large to small, expensive to inexpensive, appraisers were impressed with the variety and uniqueness of most of the items brought to the fair. Many of our visitors were from Fallon, but others had traveled from as far away as Denio, Nevada, to have their items appraised.
Some of the more expensive items appraised that day were a genuine Tiffany lamp ($80,000), Navajo blankets ($10,000 ea.) and an oil painting ($35,000).

Final calculations for the event:

Given the success of this year’s event, will the Museum Association do this again? YES! Plans are already forming to offer another appraisal event next fall, probably in September or October.