Peter White Public Library hosts its own version of ‘Antiques Roadshow’

Marquette had its own version of Antiques Roadshow Thursday night at the Peter White Public Library, and people were bringing in all sorts of antiques for appraisal.

Mark F. Moran, an appraiser from Wisconsin who has made appearances on the PBS show, saw dozens of antiques from residents, from a child’s doll to a painting by a German artist that was valued over $500.

“We’ve seen some amazing things today, especially artwork,” Moran said.  “Often times people come in and they’re not sure what the medium is that they’re buying.  We saw a wonderful painting tonight of Roman columns or Greek ruins by an artist named Mueller.”

Moran travels around the Upper Midwest to attend these type of events, and this is the second time he has been to Marquette.  The library sends Moran a minimal list of items that he will be appraising.  He said not knowing all the details upfront makes his job fun.

“Part of the challenged and part of the fun for me as an antique appraiser, is not to know too much and walk into a room with 40 or 50 or 60 items that I’ve never seen before, and try to help the owners figure out what they were used for, how they were used, and what their values are,” he said.

Antique appraisals continue Friday from 1-4 p.m. in the library, but anyone wanting an item appraised must sign up.  It costs $15 to sign up, and as of Thursday night space is limited.  Proceeds from the ticket sales benefit the Peter White Public Library.  Viewers are also welcome, free of charge.

For more information on Moran, including a list of events and how to contact him, visit his website.