Gaining knowledge directly from experts has always been the best way to learn, especially during the past few years since the Internet has supplanted books and periodicals, the traditional places where antiquers have sought information.

For the past eighteen years, the Hayden’s Ferry Questers in Tempe have been bringing the best antiques specialists in Arizona together with antiques enthusiasts for a lively series of seminars.

The popular tradition continues each Tuesday night in February when participants will enjoy two one-hour presentations taught by recognized experts in their fields. It’s like having your own personal Antiques Roadshow appraiser to educate and answer questions—all without having to wait in line.

This year’s series features talks on:

Everything You Ever Wanted to Know about Silver

Mourning Jewelry

Some Day My Prints Will Come—and when they do, I’ll know how to identify them

Vintage Table Cloths

The History of Tempe’s Old Downtown

Political Campaign Buttons

1800’s era Bowie Knives

Victorian Toothpick Holders

Founded in 1944, the international Questers were created “…to further knowledge and education about antiques, and to encourage the preservation, restoration and conservation of historic buildings, sites and antiquities.”

Since 1997, Hayden’s Ferry, a local chapter of Questers International in Tempe, has been offering Antiques Seminars to raise money in support of the Petersen House Museum in Tempe. Through the seminars, and grants from the Arizona State Questers and International Questers, more than $50,000 has been raised for restoration and maintenance of the historic home.