The Venue at Valley Forge Casino Resort in Valley Forge, Pa., was host to the inaugural Pennsylvania Antiques Show. With a preview party on the evening of April 23 and general admission on April 24, 25, and 26, this first-time event got off the ground with a robust start. A benefit for Historic Trappe, executive director Lisa Minardi and her staff assembled 63 dealers for this well-attended show. A year ago, the Philadelphia Museum of Art ended the long-standing Philadelphia Show, and to great benefit to the industry, Minardi and staff were able to introduce the Pennsylvania Antiques Show. Show manager and exhibitor Diana Bittel was brought on board, as was former Philadelphia Show director Huntley Platt. Regional businesses and collectors assisted in underwriting the show. Manheims Hess Auction Group (Conestoga Auction Co.) sponsored the loan exhibition. The space catered to wide aisles, and by the entrance was a large sprawling area set up by Jeff Bridgman, a dealer known for historic American flags, fittingly given this being the nations semiquincentennial. The casino resort is 1 mile from the Valley Forge National Historic Site and Park, a place students of history know from the winter of 1777-78, when the Continental Army rallied amid desperate conditions. Shows of this caliber have loan exhibitions, and this show had an exceptional and timely one dedicated to the Conestoga wagon. The loan show received rave reviews. From the personal collection of co-curator Michael Baltozer, the items on display (not for sale) showcased the fine artistry associated with this famous icon of early America. It was the tractor trailer of early Pennsylvania, explained Baltozer, who debunked the myth of the Conestoga wagon as depicted in the television show The Beverly Hillbillies being used as a passenger method for western expansion/travel. They were regional tools to carry freight for relatively short distances. They took produce from the countryside into Philadelphia. During the revolution, this type of wagon was also enlisted as a way to supply the Continental Army. Having been used hard, few have survived today as intact. The original example at the show had ironwork marked by maker Samuel Meals (1777-1843) of Idaville (Adams County, Pa.) near Biglerville dating from the 1820-30 time period. Baltozer has turned his West Hempfield Township barn into the museum. Fittingly displayed as the nation recognizes the 250th anniversary of American independence, 50 years ago during the Bicentennial, the Conestoga wagon train show witnessed a massive pilgrimage of wagons from across the whole country that converged on Valley Forge on July 4, 1976. To bring back this symbol today at the antiques show was emblematic of the celebration at Valley Forge park just down the road in 1976 and appropriate as the show was meant to usher and welcome people to garner a heightened appreciation of history. More approachable and welcoming regardless of economic status than the former Philadelphia Show, the Pennsylvania Antiques Show did a good job introducing a younger audience to what a show of this caliber is like. The 63 dealers were inviting and eager to share their knowledge, and all put together powerhouse booths of the material they specialize in. Former curator at the Museum of the American Revolution, now a dealer in historic militaria, Philip Mead had an interesting booth. Ceramic specialist David Kurau was there, as was Martin Edgell from England. Ralph Chait Galleries, a specialist in chinese art and porcelain, had a stunning booth, as did Lillian Nassau, a specialist in work from Tiffany studios; Marcy Burns, a specialist in American Indian arts; and Schwarz Gallery fine art. Antique holiday dealer Betty Bell came from Texas. American folk art was offered by several dealers such as Olde Hope Antiques and Greg Kramer. The latter sold well, including a paint-decorated hanging cupboard attributed to the Pennsylvania German enclave/region the Mahantongo Valley. It was priced at $175,000. We sold to mostly people we know, and (Minardi and staff) did a really job good organizing the show, said Kramer. It went really well, stated Jeffrey Ricketts. I sold half a dozen samplers and a ton of stone fruit. I was pleased, furthered Ricketts. I think most folks had a good show, summed up Kelly Kinzle. There were engaging lecture programs throughout the run of the show. Ben Miller, host of the Curious Objects podcast and founder of the Fine Objects Society, was at the show, and Historic Trappe printed a resource catalog. The organization has booked the venue and is committed for next year. The Pennsylvania Antiques Show will be held from April 15 to 18, 2027. For additional information, visit www.paantiquesshow.com or www.historictrappe.org.