What’s YOUR treasure? The Orcas Island Historical Museum is having an antiques “road show” on the Horseshoe Highway! Do you have heirlooms in your attic? Bucks in your basement? Come to the Orcas Grange Saturday April 11 from 11 a.m. to 4 a.m. to find out from the experts.

Six certified residential contents appraisers from the Lewis and Clark Chapter, International Society of Appraisers, will view your treasures and give a verbal estimate of their value. Each has a specialty area of antiques in addition to general antiques appraisals: Bette Bell for quilts, Nicole Roberts for French decorative arts, Mike Odell for tools, machinery and equipment, Don Jensen for art glass, Kathleen Victor for jewelry. In addition Tina Quick will evaluate bears and dolls, and all appraisers will share their opinions on any of your treasures with one another.

Please call the Orcas Museum at 376-4849 to secure an evaluation appointment. Cost is $10 per item to a limit of 3 items each person, and 2009 museum members may bring 3 items for $25. “Bleacher seats” with no evaluation items are available for $5– get a good view of the fun! The appraisers will also share facts and fiction about evaluating antiques from the Grange stage. Refreshments will be available throughout the day.

So, gather those collectibles, quilts, jewelry, glass, porcelain, silver, works of art, furniture, vintage clothing, tools, toys and equipment and get advice on creating your own economic stimulus package on April 11 at the Grange! All event revenue benefits the museum, thanks to the generosity of our appraisers.

Many volunteers are needed to keep things humming all day, in two-hour shifts from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. We love our museum volunteers, who will receive a free bleacher seat and the member rate on evaluations. Please call the museum soon to take part—376-4849.