Rockville Centre museum cancels 'Neighbors' event, keeps Appraisal Day

The Phillips House Museum’s planned weekend of history, wine and community has been scaled back because of the impending nor’easter, with Saturday’s “Neighbors at the Museum” event canceled. The museum’s traditional Appraisal Day, however, is still scheduled for Sunday from noon to 4 p.m.

“Neighbors at the Museum,” which was to celebrate America’s 250th birthday, was planned as a wine-tasting and cocktail gathering supporting the Rockville Centre Historical Society and its museum. The event was canceled because of the anticipated storm and its potential impact on travel and outdoor conditions.

The weekend will still continue Sunday with Appraisal Day, when residents can bring treasures to the Phillips House to learn more about their potential value. Phil, Jordan and Matthew Weiss, who appear on PBS’s “Antiques Roadshow,” will conduct verbal appraisals.

Fehringer said the tradition dates to 2010 and has become an opportunity for residents to share their belongings and learn more about the museum.

“This is a really fun one,” she said. “It’s also a way to introduce people to what we actually do throughout the year at the museum.”

Items brought for appraisal have included lamps, books, sports memorabilia, coin collections, artwork, ceramic pieces, wooden boxes and furniture. Jewelry will not be accepted.

Fehringer recalled one first edition of a J.R.R. Tolkien book that she said had significant value, as well as a lamp valued in the range of $60,000.

The appraisals generally take five minutes or less and provide residents with information about their items and, in some cases, their histories. The Weisses also can refer people to dealers or auction options if they are interested in selling.

Although Saturday’s event was canceled, Fehringer said the museum hopes to continue finding ways to connect residents with its history and collections.

“The Phillips House itself, where these events take place, is itself an important part of the story because it really is the base for our history,” she said. “I feel like both of these events being on the same weekend like this really helps attach people to their community a little bit stronger than they might have been before this.”