Attention shoppers! A treasure trove of vintage, antique and collectible items will be on sale at the seventh annual Marblehead Museum Treasure Sale on Saturday, Aug. 22.
“The Treasure Sale is as much an exhibit of Marbleheaders’ passions as it is a yard sale to benefit the museum,” said the museum’s associate director, Jarrett Zeman.
This year, items include Victorian-style library stairs, vintage radios and a vintage luggage set from Sak’s Fifth Avenue. Also, a small four-poster bed, antique Lustreware, early Native American jewelry and a globe featuring the historic routes of early European explorers.
Like previous years, there will be a section for Marblehead artwork, including pottery, a vintage whale-spotting chart and an anchor-shaped wall mirror.
New this year are antique books, some dating back to the 1700s.
“The most eccentric piece we’ve received is a potty chair from the 1800s, with a removable center for concealing a chamber pot,” Zeman said.
The museum has been collecting items since spring.
“When residents donate their treasures to the sale, they always come with a story,” Zeman said.
“Some donors had the items in their attics for years, and they always remember where they got them. Some treasures are remnants of a past hobby; others are beloved decor from two houses ago that didn’t fit their new home’s aesthetic. Many of the items remind our donors of people or places that enriched their lives. The Treasure Sale is as much an exhibit of Marbleheaders’ passions as it is a yard sale to benefit the museum.”
In addition to historic pieces, the Treasure Sale includes many more modern household items.
To say it’s a popular day among shoppers is an understatement. The Treasure Sale attracts hundreds of locals, collectors and antique dealers annually.
Volunteer Barbara Wright said shoppers line up at 5 a.m before the gates open.
Once 8 a.m. chimes, Wright said shoppers quickly spread throughout the property, with experienced collectors heading straight for the rare antiques while others browse for decorative pieces and hidden bargains.
“It’s really fun to watch,” Wright said.
For Wright, the Treasure Sale is also personal. Her mother volunteered at the museum during the 1990s, and Wright has donated several pieces from her mother’s collection, including jewelry and Marblehead pottery.
“I know how much Marblehead and the Lee Mansion meant to her,” Wright said. “I think she’d be delighted to see her treasures benefiting the museum.”
The museum’s new executive director, Dan Marshall, praised the community effort behind the event.
“I deeply appreciate the hard work of all of our Marblehead Museum volunteers and staff who make this annual event possible,” said Marshall.
Zeman adds that the museum staff expresses gratitude to Mark Rosati for helping with the Treasure Sale since its debut.
“His knowledge, passion and dedication have been crucial to making the sale an annual success,” said Zeman.
Residents are invited to continue to donate hidden knicknacks from their attics, closets and bookshelves to the museum until Friday, Aug. 21.
All proceeds go directly to the Marblehead Museum to help fund the museum’s education programming and operations.
The Treasure Sale will be held at the Lee Mansion Gardens, 161 Washington St., on Saturday, Aug. 22, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The rain date is Sunday, Aug. 23. Admission is free to everyone.
