Heirlooms and antiques valued for free

Do you have a family heirloom that you’re curious to learn more about? Looking for advice on how to care for a cherished antique?

Inspired by the popular British TV show Antiques Roadshow, Our Stories is a free event that aims to bring experts, collectors and curious onlookers together under one roof. It’s on Saturday, May 18, from 10am-4pm at the Peninsula Community Theatre in Mornington and is billed as a must-see for anyone interested in antiques or the history of the Mornington Peninsula.

You can book a free five-minute appointment with a valuer or conservator at mornpen.vic.gov.au/ OurStories before bringing an item to be valued or for some conservation advice from an expert. The day will open with a Welcome to Country and speech from the Bunurong Land Council, followed by talks from guest speakers Monica Cronin, Sherryn Vardy and Anne Rowland.

There will be stalls and collections curated by the historical societies and museums that make up the Mornington Peninsula Local History Network and by the National Trust. Relics from a bygone era will be on display, you’ll discover what the Peninsula looked like the past and be able to chat with members who will share their knowledge. Postcards from the Mornington Peninsula, a touring exhibition presented by the network, will also be on show, and a coffee cart will be available for refreshments.

So if you have a suspected treasure stashed away in the attic or some old family photographs that have seen better days, Our Stories can help shed some light on your item or give you advice on how to restore it to its former glory.

Our Stories is part of the National Trust's Australian Heritage Festival.