(Editor’s note: DeeDee Wood is the owner of Black Cat Curiosities, an online antiques research and sales venue.)
lthough the exact origins and creator of the annual April 9 “National Cherish an Antique Day” are a bit unclear, it has been celebrated since around 2019 or perhaps a few years earlier.
The celebratory day aims at honoring and appreciating history, craftsmanship, heirloom heritage and memories of a by-gone era.
A day set aside to cherish an antique is an encouraging activity to observe items we might often overlook in our daily lives.
Inherited items, furniture, books and more have a special day in April that highlights family and friends to appreciate, identify, research, learn and ask questions about particular items that are in their lives or homes.
Antiques are also a great way to learn about cultural heritage and observation, and affords people willing to participate in the day the ability to learn of industrial standards of a particular time period, art, design elements and the technology of the era.
There is a vast knowledge waiting to be discovered by researching.
The utilization books, media, social sites and databases, as well as other modern tools, aid in the discovery of the past with a representative object.
On National Cherish an Antique Day, people could celebrate this day by a visit to an antique shop or museum to appreciate, value and learn about antiques from many time eras.
The opportunity for a visit such as this affords the visitor to discuss these topics with seasoned professionals at an antique shop, or museum staff, to unlock even more data in the quest for details of objects of the past.
Other ways to celebrate and honor an antique on this special day would be to learn about antique appraising-the characteristics, markings, condition and aging of antiques that determine their market value, as well as ways and techniques to properly clean and care for these heirlooms.
Many techniques and inventions over time have changed and enhanced how artifacts in museums and antiques in private collections maintain longevity in a harsh or exposed environment.
Another important aspect of this antique celebration day is to connect with stories of your own personal family heirlooms, hear the stories, and appreciate the past in your own family tree.
Every object, as they say, has a story. As well, studying and learning about cultural relics of the past, historically significant items, or researching of such objects opens a door to the rich heritage of tangible items that represent periods of time.
Remember antiques on April 9th this year, as you take that forgotten vase off of a shelf and clean it, open a very old book your uncle gave to you years ago, or find yourself entering into that antique store you pass by daily on your way to work.
These objects bridge our past and present with the rich tapestry of innovation, ingenuity and heritage.
Relish the celebration of layers of history and tangible examples of culture and creativity.
