Antique Appraisal Day returns to the Historical Museum Sunday, April 27

Antique Appraisal Day is back Sunday afternoon (4/27/25) from 1-5 at 80 West Central Street.  

Your Appraiser is James C. "Jim" Johnston

What to expect? Good humor, great information, and highly cost-effective oral evaluation of your treasured items.   

Satisfy your curiousity, mark something as special for your family members, or venture out to an aucion or eBay with confidence. 

Oral appraisals are just $10 for the first item or up to three items for $25. 

Your Appraiser is James C. "Jim" Johnston, in the Appraisal and Antique business for more than six decades, a retired educator, historian, author. 

Sponsored by the Friends of the Franklin Historical Museum. 

 

Appraisal event at the Historical Museum - April 27

He’s baaaaaaack!!!!

Antique Appraisal at Historical Museum - April 27

We had the good fortune of meeting and interviewing Jim Johnson, fellow Franklinite and antique appraiser extraordinaire last year before his appraisal event at @franklinhistoricalmuseum

He is as every bit clever and funny as he is knowledge- a true gem of a gentleman.

You do NOT want to miss this opportunity to have your valuables appraised!!! #antiqueappraisal #antique #newenglandantiques #antiqueroadshow

Shared from ->   https://www.facebook.com/share/1BxbDwT6qd/

Historic Happenings at the Franklin Historical Museum for April 2025

Sun. April 13 --Second Sunday Speaker Series: History in Our Backyard!

Tip O’Neill is remembered as saying all politics is local. All history is local too. In this interactive presentation, Dr. Rob Lawson of Dean College will share a variety of examples where “big” history (national/global) meets local history stories. Wars, pandemics, and natural disasters are painful reminders of how big events can affect local communities, and Franklin is no exception. 

Together, we’ll encounter a couple of Franklin history “puzzles” and explore some of the film and digital history initiatives that are making our local history accessible and relevant right now. Bring your curiosity and put on your thinking cap as we explore the history in our backyard!  

Museum is open from 1-4, program starts at 1:15. FREE

Sat. April 26 – Franklin’s Ladybugs and the Ladybug Trail

Ever wonder what all the fuss is about ladybugs in Franklin? We’ve got the answers with historic memorabilia and a continuously running slide show that tells about our intrepid elementary school ‘Lobbyists” who convinced the state government and governor to make the ladybug the state insect back in 1974. 

AND, of course, the annual Ladybug Trail Kickoff Walk begins at the museum with free water (and restrooms), maps, plus a fun visual cue or two. 

The museum is at 80 West Central Street will be open from 9-3.

Sun. April 27 --Second Annual “Friends of the Museum” Appraisal Day!

Your Appraiser is James C. "Jim" Johnston

Antique Appraisal Day is back Sunday afternoon from 1-5 at 80 West Central Street.  What to expect? Good humor, great information, and highly cost-effective oral evaluation of your treasured items.   Satisfy your curiosity, mark something as special for your family members, or venture out to an auction or eBay with confidence. 

Oral appraisals are just $10 for the first item or up to three items for $25.  

Your Appraiser is James C. "Jim" Johnston, in the Appraisal and Antique business for more than six decades, a retired educator, historian, author. Sponsored by the Friends of the Franklin Historical Museum.

Reminder: This Old Thing? - An Antique Appraisal Adventure with Jim Johnston - May 5

Who hasn’t been intrigued by something old... and who hasn’t stopped to wonder, ‘what’s it worth’?  

On Sunday, May 5, 2024 from 1:00 - 5:00 PM, local expert, James C. “Jim” Johnston, will dazzle and inform the audience and those seeking knowledge about family heirlooms and garage sale finds alike with An Antique Appraisal Adventure with Jim Johnston.

An Antique Appraisal Adventure 1

Johnston, who has been in the antique and appraisal business for more than six decades, has a nearly limitless store of knowledge about all things old, with particular emphasis on Americana, Porcelain, Glass, Rare Books, Coins, Stamps and Pottery. His appraisals often come with the kind of fascinating context and anecdotes that make him – a lifelong educator and author -- much sought after, whether to please an auditorium audience or for the evaluation of a private collection.

Appraisals are ‘on-the-spot’ and oral and are $5 for the first appraisal and $3 for additional items, up to an event maximum of three items and $11.  The event is sponsored by the Friends of the Franklin Historical Museum, a 501(c) 3 non-profit that raises funds to benefit the Historical Museum. All proceeds benefit the museum. 

The Friends can accept cash or check.  There will also be an option to “watch at home” via Google Meets. To learn about payment options, how to participate virtually, or to reserve a contact alan.r.earls@gmail.com. Handicapped Access Available.

An Antique Appraisal Adventure 2

Mr. Johnston will preface the appraisal-day program with a discussion of what constitutes “Value”, or more appropriately “Range of Value”, when appraising an item of any sort. He will also discuss various factors reflected in an evaluation such as: the sociological factors, condition issues, rarity, and Adam Smith’s Rule of Supply and Demand as it effects the value of art, antiques, and collectibles in any time period. 

He will also discuss “Purpose” of evaluation such as: probate, inheritance, divorce, and insurance, as well as insurance evaluation and replacement value, with the idea of choosing a fearless appraiser with experience in dealing with insurance companies, and with “Court Experience” and experience in delivering “Expert Testimony.”

Mr. Johnston performs written appraisals by arrangement, starting at $125. 

Franklin Historical Museum is located at 80 West Central St, downtown Franklin, near the fire station. You can also visit the Historical Museum on the web at

http://franklinhistoricalmuseum.org/   

This Old Thing? - An Antique Appraisal Adventure with Jim Johnston - May 5

Who hasn’t been intrigued by something old... and who hasn’t stopped to wonder, ‘what’s it worth’?  On Sunday, May 5, 2024 from 1:00-5:00 PM, local expert, James C. “Jim” Johnston, will dazzle and inform the audience and those seeking knowledge about family heirlooms and garage sale finds alike with An Antique Appraisal Adventure with Jim Johnston.

Johnston, who has been in the antique and appraisal business for more than six decades, has a nearly limitless store of knowledge about all things old, with particular emphasis on Americana, Porcelain, Glass, Rare Books, Coins, Stamps and Pottery. His appraisals often come with the kind of fascinating context and anecdotes that make him – a lifelong educator and author -- much sought after, whether to please an auditorium audience or for the evaluation of a private collection.

Appraisals are ‘on-the-spot’ and oral and are $5 for the first appraisal and $3 for additional items, up to an event maximum of three items and $11.  The event is sponsored by the Friends of the Franklin Historical Museum, a 501(c) 3 non-profit that raises funds to benefit the Historical Museum. All proceeds benefit the museum. 

The Friends can accept cash or check.  There will also be an option to “watch at home” via Google Meets. To learn about payment options, how to participate virtually, or to reserve a contact alan.r.earls@gmail.com. Handicapped Access Available.

Mr. Johnston will preface the appraisal-day program with a discussion of what constitutes “Value”, or more appropriately “Range of Value”, when appraising an item of any sort. He will also discuss various factors reflected in an evaluation such as: the sociological factors, condition issues, rarity, and Adam Smith’s Rule of Supply and Demand as it effects the value of art, antiques, and collectibles in any time period. 

He will also discuss “Purpose” of evaluation such as: probate, inheritance, divorce, and insurance, as well as insurance evaluation and replacement value, with the idea of choosing a fearless appraiser with experience in dealing with insurance companies, and with “Court Experience” and experience in delivering “Expert Testimony.”

Mr. Johnston performs written appraisals by arrangement, starting at $125. 

Franklin Historical Museum is located at 80 West Central St, downtown Franklin, near the fire station. You can also visit the Historical Museum on the web at

http://franklinhistoricalmuseum.org/   

In the News: site plan process changed, appraisal day scheduled

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"The town has approved new rules that allow for less paperwork for certain building renovations and alterations. 

The Town Council recently gave its final, unanimous approval to a zoning bylaw amendment that would allow for limited - instead of full - site plans for some of those projects, should they meet certain criteria. 

Since full site plans are costly - owing to engineering work and the need to notify neighbors - town officials said they may dissuade building owners from improving their properties. It's hoped the change will improve that situation."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160817/franklin-approves-limited-site-plan-process

Additional information from the most recent Town Council meeting (8/10/16) can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/08/town-council-actions-taken-august-10.html

word on the street says the development of the Ficco's and Keagan space was waiting on this change

"The Franklin Historical Museum, 80 W. Central St., will hold Appraisal Day from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Sept. 16. 

Antiques will be appraised by certified appraiser Nancy Wyman, of Coyles Auction Gallery of Bellingham. Guests are allowed a maximum of three items to be appraised at a rate of $5 each."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160817/franklin-historical-museum-to-hold-appraisal-day

Franklin Historical Museum Hosts Antique Appraisal Day - Sept16

Gather your antiques and mark your calendars to have your prized possessions appraised at the Franklin Historical Museum. This popular and enjoyable event returns to the museum this year on a new day and time, Friday September 16th, 6:00PM-8:30PM. Curious about what your favorite vintage items might be worth? Here’s your opportunity to find out. 

Antiques will be appraised by certified appraiser Nancy Wyman of Coyles Auction Gallery of Bellingham. Guests are allowed a maximum of 3 items to be appraised at a rate of $5.00 each.

Items to be appraised include, but are not limited to:

• decorative stoneware and pottery
• vintage clothing and costume jewelry
• fine china, glass and art glass
• Oriental rugs
• paintings and prints
• lamps, clocks, decorative accessories
• Hummels and music boxes
• sterling silver, pewter and brass
• American, Victorian and country furniture

The following items will not be considered for appraisal: 

• no fine jewelry
• no coins
• no stamps
• no weapons

The Franklin Historical Museum is located at 80 West Central Street and is wheelchair accessible. The event is hosted by and all proceeds go to the Friends of the Franklin Historical Museum. Don’t miss it.

Franklin Historical Museum