Hello, it’s me – I’m back! Want to know something? I’m never leaving because nothing ever truly leaves the internet; it’s a giant time capsule preserving our most embarrassing moments forever. Which is perfect to think about because the last week of April is Preservation Week, and what topic is better suited for a place that auctions off antiques and collectibles?
Preservation Week’s main goal is to educate individuals on the importance of preserving family and shared history, such as heirlooms, book collections in libraries, and so on and so forth. Last blog I touched upon the Red Cross uniforms we acquired from the Valentine Museum, and although I won’t be discussing it in depth again, we should all recognize the importance of museums in preserving our history and culture. Whether it’s historical buildings, paintings, furniture, or even weapons, museums play a major role in repairing and maintaining important pieces of history for generations to come, just like historical societies preserve documentation, photographs, and items pertinent to the local area.
So, what can you do to participate in Preservation Week? Easy answer – You already do! By buying antiques and collectibles from antique malls, flea markets, or auction houses, you’re already preserving many items others would have tossed out or torn apart. Of course, now that you have them, the next step is thinking about what you want to do with your antiques and collectibles. Sure, buying and selling is fine, but if it’s a family heirloom or a childhood collection you want to hold on to, consider getting them appraised for insurance values but most importantly, think about proper storage!
Standard plastic bags can cause staining and scratching, paints and textiles can fade in direct sun, and even the oils in your hands can cause damage to some items. Storing items away from dirt, dust, and mildew is the first step along with not overhandling them. It’s easy to store things in the attic or cellar but in reality, it isn’t the best place for our treasured belongings.
Another (super easy) way to participate in Preservation Week is sharing the history of your items with friends and family. It doesn’t need to be something expensive or super fancy, either; having a special, sentimental value is reason enough! If you want more in depth planning when it comes to preservation, consider contacting your local library or historic society to see if they offer talks or demonstrations – and always remember to have fun while adding to your collections!
