“Lotz House Second Annual Fall Antiques Appraisal Fair Set for October 23"


( Franklin , Tenn. ) – September 30, 2010--- The Lotz House announced today the Second Annual Fall Antiques Appraisal Fair is set for Saturday, October 23 rd at the Civil War house museum located at 1111 Columbia Avenue across from The Carter House.

In making the announcement, Lotz House Executive Director J.T. Thompson said, “This event has always been popular with the public because it gives residents the opportunity to learn the value of their antiques and collectibles. We’re looking forward to hosing this year’s Fall event.”

Similar to the popular PBS “Antiques Road Show” program, this appraisal fair is open to the public and will be held from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Guests are invited to bring their antiques to learn its value. The cost is $20 for the appraisal of one item, $25 for two items or $30 for three items. There is a maximum of 3 items allowed at a time. For each appraisal, guests will receive one free admission and guided tour of the Lotz House Museum.

Thompson added, “I don’t think there are any other antique appraisal fairs in this area, so this is the perfect opportunity for people to bring in their antiques and learn about each piece—both the price and history behind each item. At our previous Lotz House appraisal fairs, we’ve found some of the rarest one-of-a-kind items still know to exist. It’s always an adventure to see what people bring.”

For the past seven years Thompson and his mother Sue Armstrong Thompson have been featured at various Antique Appraisal Fairs throughout Tennessee and the southeast including events for the Tennessee Backroads and the Jack Daniels Distillery to name a few. They have teamed up again for this event to benefit the Lotz House Foundation, a non profit organization.

J.T. Thompson is certified in Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice and Advisory Opinions (USPAP) and trained as a certified Personal Property Appraiser. He is also a member of the International Association of R.S. Prussia Collectors and The Society of Inkwell Collectors.

Sue Armstrong Thompson is often called the “One Woman Road Show,” as she has conducted numerous antique appraisal fairs for many years. As an independent appraiser, she has been involved in the art and antiques appraisal business for more than 45 years. She has been retained to do appraisals throughout the U.S. , England and Germany . In the past, she has also been an art instructor in the Western Pacific Islands of Guam and Saipan.

Her international work and travel have enabled her to understand art on a global level. She is a noted antiquarian who works as a consultant to individuals and corporations and lectures on the subject of collecting as investment.

She is avid collector of American furniture and decorative arts. In fact, she was instrumental in finding and collecting many of the furnishings and decorative arts you see at the Lotz House today.

She has also been involved in the restoration of many of Middle Tennessee’s historical homes including Mooreland, Longview, Belmont Mansion, Belle Meade Mansion, Clover Bottom, White Hall and of course, the Lotz House.

Tennessee Backroads Heritage, Inc. Executive Director Dianne Murray said,

"Our organization always receives praise for hosting the antique appraisal day events and that praise must be shared with J. T. and Sue Thompson .  They are, without question, the most gentle and knowledgeable "Roadshow Team" to engage the audience in sharing stories and memories when appraising a person's heirloom.  We value their expertise and the way they embrace the audience.  Folks always feel good at the end of the day and want to know when the next event will be held."   

The Lotz House, which has been on the National Historic Register since 1976, is located in the heart of downtown historic Franklin, Tennessee at “epicenter” of the Battle of Franklin which was a pivotal battle in the Civil War on November 30, 1864.

The house is open Monday – Saturday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. or by appointment. Admission charged (free for Antique Appraisal Fair participants). The Lotz House is located at 1111 Columbia Avenue . For more information, call 615-790-7190 or visit the website is www.lotzhouse.com .