David Cowell
Visitors to the Spirit of the Jerseys State History Fair, to be held Saturday, May 12 at Washington Crossing State Park, Titusville, from 11am – 5pm, are invited to bring up to three of their treasured antiques, EXCLUDING jewelry, large furniture items and firearms, to be appraised by members of the Associated Antique Dealers of New Jersey (AADNJ). Items will be appraised for a fee of $5 per item. Cash only. The Appraisal will be held from 11 am to 2 pm. The Fair will be held rain or shine.
The fees collected will fund AADNJ’s grants to New Jersey teachers. The purpose of the grants is to enhance the teaching of New Jersey history and the arts through the use of three dimensional objects and the hands-on experience of period artifacts. Teachers apply for grants to purchase antiques as teaching aids in a curricula unit they have created, consistent with the newly revised New Jersey History standards. The teaching plan and the antiques become part of the schools’ teaching resources and can be shared by other teachers." Each school year grant recipients create a resource kit to enhance their school’s curriculum. The grants are awarded based on creativity, historical significance and the hands-on experience it will provide the student as it pertains to a specific unit of study.
AADNJ regards the antiques business as a profession and views the antiques dealer as a professional. A person engaged in the antiques business is knowledgeable, experienced and can be relied upon as one who takes pride in his profession and strives to increase his knowledge of antiques.
AADNJ is a mutually-working association and functions as a united effort of its members. It is actively engaged in curbing unethical practices and promotes the dignity of the antiques profession. For more information, please visit their website www.aadnj.org
NJ STATE HISTORY FAIR FACTS:
The Fair started as a celebratory event marking the 100th anniversary of New Jersey’s state owned historic sites. Its purpose is to cultivate the public’s awareness and appreciation of NJ’s historic resources by providing visitors with the opportunity to experience history in a fun and engaging manner. 2012 marks the 8th year of the fair. Annual attendance at the Fair has averaged 5,000 visitors. Last year over 130 exhibitors participated in the event. Each year the Fair attracts exhibitors from nearly every New Jersey County and is an award-winning event, receiving an Award of Recognition from the New Jersey Historical Commission in 2008. The State History Fair a fun-filled adventure into New Jersey’s past that is appropriate for all ages. More information on the Spirit of the Jerseys State History Fair can be found at www.njhistoryfair.org or by calling 609-737-0623.
