Alexian Grove will host an Antique Appraisal Day June 4 from 1 to 3 p.m., giving residents and the community at large the chance to discover which family treasures have monetary or just sentimental value.
"Everybody has things they have questions about," said Sandy Harrison, director of community life for Alexian Grove. "The residents are excited because they have things they've owned for many years and don't know the history behind it."
The Appraisal Day on the retirement community's campus is a free event and everyone is invited to bring one item per person for a verbal appraisal. Local appraisal specialists will be in attendance to provide their best estimate of the fair market value for each item.
"Just because it's old doesn't mean it's valuable in the market," said Signal Mountain resident Sunny Wagner of Sunny Wagner Appraisal Services.
Wagner participated in the "Antique Road Show" when it came to Chattanooga. She said in this area it is common for residents to have Civil War relics, silver and Victorian-era items, but that the market is currently flooded with them, which decreases the value. She said Asian items are eagerly sought after in the market right now. For antique wood furniture, Wagner said how the piece is made is usually more important than what material it is made from.
Whether or not Wagner discovers the piece has a high monetary value, she said the person bringing in the item is often happy with the results and to have learned a little of its history.
"It kind of makes people realize that a lot of value for an item is in sentimentality or use," Wagner said. "Just because it doesn't have a high market value doesn't mean it's not of high value in your family."
Alexian Grove is located at 100 Asbury Oak Lane on the old Cummings Farm.