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Bring your Treasures to the Montana Appraisal Fair in Billings

AARP

Old wooden box plenty of vintage memories from the beginning of the 20th century.

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AARP Montana is proud to sponsor the Montana Appraisal Fair, presented in partnership with the Foundation for Montana History. This exciting one-day event offers a fun, educational opportunity to have your antiques, collectibles, and family heirlooms professionally evaluated — right here in Montana!

Event Details

Date: Friday, May 8, 2026
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Location: Yellowstone Art Museum, 401 North 27th Street, Billings, MT

Bring your fine art, collectibles, toys, heirlooms, and other interesting or potentially valuable items for verbal appraisals from two expert appraisers:

Celebrity Appraiser Timothy Gordon (specializing in art, celebrity collectibles, Western history, and more)
Auctioneer Grant Zahajko (specializing in sports cards, comic books, toys, memorabilia, and more)

Each appraisal lasts approximately 5–10 minutes in a lively public setting. Appraisers may even announce standout or unusual items throughout the day for everyone to enjoy. Note: These are verbal evaluations for entertainment and educational purposes only and do not constitute formal, legal appraisals.

How It Works

Cost: $20 per item (limit of 4 items per group)
Registration required for those seeking an appraisal: Register at mthistory.org/appraisalfair
The event is free for spectators – no registration required! Come browse, listen to the announcements, and enjoy the museum while you wait. Special high-profile appraisals will be featured starting at noon.

Important restrictions: No chemicals, firearms, or furniture will be appraised. Larger items should be checked in with staff or volunteers upon arrival.

Upon check-in, you'll receive a program and assigned time slot. While waiting (or after your appraisal), explore the Yellowstone Art Museum’s exhibitions and gift shop. Staff and volunteers from the Foundation for Montana History will also be on hand to share information about their important work supporting history and preservation projects across Montana.

Why Attend?

Whether you’re a longtime collector, someone who inherited family treasures, or just curious about that “old thing in the attic,” the Montana Appraisal Fair is a wonderful way to learn the stories and possible value behind your items. It’s also a great opportunity to support the Foundation for Montana History, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit whose mission aligns closely with AARP Montana’s commitment to preserving our shared heritage and enriching community life.

Proceeds from the event benefit historic preservation and history projects throughout Montana.

Plan Your Visit

Arrive with your items about 5–10 minutes before your scheduled slot
No pre-registration is required for appraisals—just purchase tickets on-site at check-in

Special High-Profile Appraisals

Join us for these exciting public appraisals during the event:

12:00 p.m. — Charlie Russell Painting

Appraisal of C.M. Russell’s The Fire Canoe (1914) and a C.M. Russell letter to Will James dated May 30, 1924.

1:15 p.m. — 1926 Lincoln Touring Car

Appraisal of a 1926 Lincoln Touring Car that was used to transport prominent guests through Yellowstone National Park.

For registration and more information visit: mthistory.org/appraisalfair

Questions? Contact the Foundation for Montana History at (406) 449-3770 or info@mthistory.org.

Mark your calendar and join AARP Montana and the Foundation for Montana History for a memorable day of discovery at the Yellowstone Art Museum. You never know what treasure you might uncover!

Admission for spectators is free for all of these special appraisals.