The Connecticut Spring Antiques Show, which has been called the “grand dame” of New England antiques shows, will move to a new home for its next edition March 10⁍arch 11, at the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield.
The new setting 25 miles north of its former home in Hartford represents a change of venue for the 39-year-old antiques show, but is in keeping with the history of the Connecticut River Valley, where many of the show’s furnishings and objects originated.
“We’re looking forward to a great year,” says Karen DiSaia, who is managing the show for the seventh year. “The show has a long history and has survived many moves for many reasons, and having been unable to find a suitable venue in state, we’re moving to a terrific venue that’s just over the line in Massachusetts.”
Described as “one of the most important antiques shows in the nation” by Antiques And The Arts Weekly , the Connecticut Spring Antiques Show features early American furniture and appropriate accessories as displayed by some of the country’s most respected antiques dealers. Among the items on display will be choice examples of early American furniture, porcelain and pottery, silver and pewter, fine art, brass and ironware, textiles, prints and more.
The show attracts serious collectors, supports new collectors and brings both together with dealers and experts who share a passion for period American antiques and decorative arts.
A yearly endeavor of the Haddam (Conn.) Historical Society, the spring show represents the efforts of antiques dealers, the historical society’s board and dozens of society volunteers. As in previous years, the 2012 show will feature presentations by experts in American decorative arts and a special exhibition by the Haddam Historical Society.
“I always think change is good for a show,” says DiSaia, who is also responsible for the ADA/Historic Deerfield Antiques Show and the new Fairfield County Antiques Show, which will debut this December 2‴. “It re-energizes things to have change,” she adds, “and I think we’ll get some new people who have never been to the show.”
The Connecticut Spring Antiques Show benefits the Haddam Historical Society’s educational programming, exhibitions and collections care, as well as the preservation of the Thankful Arnold House Museum located on the Connecticut Women’s Heritage Trail.
The show will be in the Young Building at the Eastern States Exposition. Admission is $10; Saturday show hours are 10 am to 5 pm, and Sunday hours are 11 to 4. For additional information, www.ctspringantiquesshow.com or 860-345-2400.
