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Are you a fan of the TV show American Pickers? There’s a reason that Americans have fallen in love with Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz, the show’s co-hosts. Antiques and collectibles  aren’t just about a cash transaction or holding onto an investment. Looking at “old stuff” is what teaches us all about where we’ve come from.

Connecting Through Antiques and Collectibles

Learning about history in a textbook can be a little boring. However, when the teacher brings out an antique weapon used by a soldier in WWII or a piece of the Berlin Wall, students become engaged. People are fascinated with tangible items from the past, from chairs to desks and clothes to cookware. If they can see it, feel it, touch it, and smell it, it provides a connection that words on a page never will.

For example, an antiques enthusiast who collects vintage dresses can teach a whole class on the history of mass-produced fashion, and how life was 100 years ago. Every vintage item has an exciting story that’s waiting to be heard. In many instances, a family heirloom is passed down from generation to generation, holding the family’s entire history in one special object. So, the question isn’t, “Do you like antiques?” but instead, “Do you want to know where this came from and why it’s important?”

Antiques Open Our Minds

When we find a piece that we love, it prompts us to ask more questions about it. We want to know where it came from, when it was made, and who has taken care of it in the past. Beautiful objects that adorn your home or office all tell a story, and it improves a sense of well-being.

At Lawson & Co., we love that antiques are imperfect because flawed pieces tell a story. The dents and dings and chipped paint all make us wonder about the journey the beautiful object has been on. Something old becomes something valuable and treasured.

It’s Not Just History Teachers

Of course, it makes sense that history teachers use antiques and collectibles to help kids learn about the past and specific events. However, other teachers can use antiques to tell a story as well. For example, an English teacher can share an old SS helmet riddled with bullet holes as he teaches kids about Kurt Vonnegut’s Slaughterhouse-Five. A science teacher can bring in an antique beaker while she teaches her students about Marie Curie. Even a math teacher could demonstrate the use of an old abacus. As you can see, antiques and collectibles show us way more than any textbook ever could.

Collecting isn’t just a hobby, it’s what connects us to our past. If you’re interested in checking out some of our personal property auctions to see what treasures you can find, call us at 317-745-6404 or like and follow us on Facebook.