Chatham Historical Society’s Roadshow with John Nye a Success

The Chatham Historical Society hosted a major fundraiser in early April starring John Nye, of Nye and Company and a regular contributor on PBS’s Antiques Roadshow. This successful and fun evening was held at the Morris County Golf Club with over 100 guests mingling and bidding on numerous silent auction baskets before enjoying a lively evening of appraisals from Mr. Nye and his associates.

  Guests enjoyed seeing and hearing about the very different and unique appraisal items as well as learning about some “behind the scenes” tips for making wise purchases in the future. Paintings, wooden tea boxes, beautifully carved ivory, porcelain teacups, silver trays, a box of antique dolls, handmade quilts, and even an old life preserver were talked about in terms of history, provenance and current “street” value.  Enthusiastic discussions about a few items had the audience enjoying Mr Nye’s dry sense of humor.

Chatham and other local area merchants contributed towards the event through paid advertisements or donated goods and services.  Over 30 silent auction baskets were put together from these generous donations.

John Nye, President of Nye & Company in Bloomfield, NJ, is a regional auction house that appraises and sells quality antiques, heirlooms and collections. John Nye, Kathleen Nye and associate Lorraine DeJianne, all expert appraisers, were able to wander through the tables, look over and research all the various items the audience brought in and talk about each item so thoroughly that guests were heard to ask when the next fundraiser will be. 

Proceeds from this fundraiser will support the Chatham Historical Society’s current collection of photographs, documents and artifacts and will assist in the preserving and sharing of these precious items with the community and future generations.

  The Antiques Roadshow Event Chair was Marianne Slamm with co-chairs Ann Rea and  Carole Bellidora Westfall.  Silent Auction committee chairs were Heidi Huston, Diane Conlan, and Emery Westfall.  Committee members were Olga D’Alto, Karen Maloney, Helen Ann Rosenfeld, Linda Veale and Bobbie Veeder.