From press release:

Whether it’s an old uniform cap or a helmet, a box of medals and ribbons, a flag, gun belt or a canteen, every piece of military memorabilia has a story to tell.

Now, anyone who would like know more about that military item that belonged to a relative or was discovered in the attic or at a yard sale can get the scoop for free from the experts at the Virginia War Memorial’s Artifacts Roadshow, Saturday, June 16 from 10 a.m. until 12 noon.

Jesse Smith, curator of the Virginia War Memorial’s military collection, and noted military collectable expert C. Robert House III of Virginia Beach will be on hand to personally review and offer their opinions on the origin and history of any military-related items. While Smith and House will give an assessment and the story behind each item reviewed, they will not offer appraisals or estimates of monetary value for items.

The Virginia War Memorial Artifacts Roadshow is a free event and there is no charge to have an item or items reviewed. Parking and admission to the Memorial, which is located at 621 Belvidere Street in downtown Richmond, are also free.

“People often bring in military items for us to look at and hopefully tell them more about them,” notes the Memorial’s Jesse Smith. “We held our first ever Artifacts Roadshow in January this year to give everyone the opportunity to rummage through their attics and get the story behind a military item they discovered or perhaps belonged to a relative.”

“We were amazed at the variety of things people brought in…from uniforms to banners to pistols and rifles. One gentleman brought a sword that he was surprised to learn dated back to the War
of 1812. Robert House and I look forward to seeing what unique and unusual items will turn up here on June 16.”

Weapons or ordinance items brought to the Artifacts Roadshow will be checked and inspected for safety at the door by representatives of the Colonial Shooting Academy of Richmond before review. All persons bringing items must also register to have an item reviewed.

For more information, please call 804-786-2060 or visit www.vawarmemorial.org