The Newnan-Coweta Historical Society (NCHS) serves all of Coweta and beyond, and offers a number of community programs that are both entertaining and rich with history. This weekend the society will offer an antiques appraisal event, the first of its kind in Newnan.
The special event, inspired by the popular PBS program, “Antiques Roadshow,” will be held July 15 at the Historic Train Depot on East Broad Street in downtown Newnan. The event, “Trash or Treasure — What’s in your Attic” will will begin at 10 a.m. and will continue until 5 p.m. featuring appraisers and brief lectures on popular collection items. Appraisers and specialists will deliver the talks and offer background information while revealing the worth of entries submitted.
Coweta County has a rich and multi-layered background with folks from all walks of life, many who come from families that have been in the area for multiple generations. Inevitably there are items that have been passed down among the family lines to those who may not know the history or value of the items they now own. Now is your opportunity to find out more about these hidden gems!
The idea for the event originated with NCHS board member Ginny Lyles who became enthralled with the history of several items she recently discovered while sorting through boxes from her own childhood home. Lyles shared her findings with NCHS President Lisa Harwell and the idea to introduce the antiques event in Newnan was born.
Items that have been entered into “Trash or Treasure” include antique clocks, a Mexican artifact possibly related to the Conquistadores or early Spanish missionaries, a Handel lamp, Chinese pots, and a framed invitation to the inauguration to President John F. Kennedy, plus many more. The deadline for submitting items has already passed.
Professional collectors slated to speak at the event include Tom Camp, a collector of antique furnishings; Ray DuBose, an expert jeweler; Jesse Yates, record collector and owner of Vinylyte Records; Richard Mix, collector of toys, Coca-Cola items, and other collectibles, and co-owner of Full Circle Toys; and Arnold Frenzel, collector of Japanese swords and other Asian artifacts.
Tickets to attend the event are only five dollars and can be purchased online via the NCHS webpage at http://newnancowetahistoricalsociety.org/ the event Facebook page, www.facebook.com/events/1957553384479610/permalink/1964089137159368/, or at www.evenbrite.com
According to Lyles, “the event is for everyone’s participation and enjoyment,” even if items are determined to hold only sentimental value.
“Cowetans have items that are meaningful, but may not have a high value,” Lyles said. “Or, items may have significant value but not much meaning.”
All proceeds from “Trash or Treasure” will go toward NCHS-sponsored programs held at the McRitchie-Hollis Museum and the Historic Train Depot throughout the year.
Food vendors will also be available at the event offering lunch and refreshments.
For more information regarding this event and other NCHS programming, visit the historical society website, Facebook page, or call 770-251-0207.
