Tolland Historical Society Announces 50th Golden Anniversary Antiques Show

From the Tolland Historical Society:

Buying begins at 9 a.m.

Doors close at 4 p.m.

Admission: $9

Luncheon Available

Free parking

A benefit for the Tolland Historical Society, this distinguished show features 18th- and 19th-century American furniture, accessories, textiles, rugs, prints, folk art, paintings, red ware and early iron. Many items are of museum quality. More than 65 dealers from throughout New England, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Maryland make this show one of the premier events in the Northeast dealing in early Americana.

The show is celebrating three milestones this year: the 50th anniversary of the show and the Tolland Historical Society and the 25th anniversary for Show Director Kathy Bach, who is also the president of the Society.

Already attracting New York City collectors, the show has been featured in the Boston Globe as a destination for interested collectors and browsers. Tolland is on the annual buying road trip for several more dealers.

“It is really known as the best little country show because of the quality of the people who exhibit there,” local dealer Steve Kochenburger of Willington Antiques.

Bach said that the show is great for collectors and browsers.

“Many of these dealers are interested collectors themselves and have a wealth of knowledge about the items they are selling,” she said.” With this level of expertise present, it is a good place for someone who wants to learn more about antiques.”

Bach and Kochenburger look for dealers to exhibit items in original condition or with minimal restoration. They also focus on having a show with a diversity of items.

“We are delighted each year with the high caliber of our show, made possible by our returning dealers, their knowledge and their referrals,” Bach said. “The Society’s goal is to maintain a high-quality show that draws the best in high country Americana dealers.”

The show is the major fundraising activity for the Society each year. Proceeds from the show support the three historical society museums in Tolland; the Old Tolland County Jail & Museum, the Old Tolland County Courthouse, both located on Tolland Green, and the Daniel Benton Homestead, a pre-Revolutionary War home located on Metcalf Road. The proceeds also defray the cost of the many programs that the Society sponsors in the community, especially in the school system related to curriculum.

All booths are sold, and there is a waiting list. For more information about the show, contact Show Director Kathy Bach at 860-872-7716 or on the website at: www.tollandhistorical.org.