For many, the lure of unfound treasures makes the hunt for antiques irresistible. If you’re one of these, get ready to enjoy the biggest and best selection of valuables in the region as Oglebay Institute welcomes guests to its annual Antiques Show and Sale the weekend of April 4.
Founded in 1954, it takes place at beautiful Oglebay Park and continues through Sunday, April 6. The browsing and buying action is set up on the main floor of Wilson Lodge and features dealers from all over the country.
The Friday Dessert with Antiques Preview Party begins at 7 p.m., Friday, and offers an enticing array of sweets and coffee, cash bar and the first chance to browse, shop and chat with antique dealers before the show opens to the public on Saturday. In addition, guests receive unlimited return admission to the show as it continues on Saturday and Sunday. The dessert party is open to the public and tickets are available at the door ($40).
Regular show hours are from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Saturday, April 5 and 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Sunday, April 6. All paid show admissions receive a chance on the door prize of a one-night stay at Wilson Lodge.
With 50 plus dealers and the finest examples of decorative arts, jewelry, pottery, silver, furniture and oriental rugs, the show has something for everyone. Dealers are from 12 different states and offer furnishings and accessories for both the period and modern home.
“The Oglebay Institute Antiques Show offers quality antiques in the perfect setting. With everything from jewelry to furniture, there is something for everyone and for all budgets,” said Christin Byrum, Director of the Museums of Oglebay Institute.
New dealers for 2025 include:
- Bustles to Boho, Ligonier, PA – antique and vintage clothing and accessories;
- David R. Johns’ Antiques, Erie, PA – American Folk Art and unusual “smalls;”
- Edmonds & Co., Whitehall, MI – Native American Navajo and Zuni, jewelry, silver, bronze and ceramic;
- Red Rabbit Antiques, Glenshaw, PA – 18th and 19th century country and primitive furniture and accessories;
- Harris Heirlooms, Dallas, GA – antique picture frames;
- Pat’s Pots / Japanese Woodblock Prints Gallery, Westport, MA – vintage American art pottery and Japanese woodblock prints from the Edo Period to the modern Sosaku Hanga period
- St. Louis Heritage, St. Louis, MO – interesting miniatures, jewelry and silver;
- J’s Antiques, Powhatan, VA – specializing in American Iridescent Art Glass from Imperial, Quezal, Durand and Tiffany;
- Le Mix, Pittsburgh, PA – Mid-Century Modern.
“I’m pretty excited about these – the clothing, Native American, picture frames and Japanese woodblock prints are definitely different for our show,” Byrum added.
A major fundraiser for the Museums of Oglebay Institute and sponsored by Panhandle Cleaning & Restoration, the antiques show supports local history, its preservation and educational programs. Wheeling residents Jennifer Croft and Stella Boldrick are co-chairs of the event.
“The antiques show is very important to the museums and its work to maintain the collections and to keep programming fresh and interesting. Maintenance and technology is another big expense for museums today. This antiques show offers us a way to support local history,” Boldrick said.
Purchased by Colonel Earl W. Oglebay in 1900 as his summer retreat, the Mansion Museum features period antiques and depicts Wheeling’s history from Pioneer times through the Victorian era.
The Glass Museum contains more than 3,000 examples of Wheeling glass and china made from 1820-1939, including the famous Sweeney Punch Bowl, the largest piece of cut glass in the world.
Oglebay Institute antiques show dealers have over countless years of combined experience in the business and are eager to share their knowledge.
Special show features include Saturday Dealer Booth Talks, included with admission, that offer important information for novice antique enthusiasts and experienced collectors alike. These talks are scheduled for 3 and 4 p.m., Saturday and will cover the topics of bronzes, silver and Japanese woodblock prints.
Another special feature is the Children’s Tour scheduled for 4 p.m., Saturday. Curator Holly McCluskey will lead children on a special guided tour of the Antiques Show and Sale and introduce them to the concepts of antiques and collecting. The number of participants is limited to 10 and reservations are required for this event.
McCluskey, who is considered a national glass expert, also will lead a Glass Tour at 2 p.m., Saturday that is reservations only.
Free parking is available at Wilson Lodge. For more information or to make a reservation for the Children’s Tour, the Glass Tour or to inquire about special Antiques Show Patron events, please call the Mansion Museum at 304-242-7272 or visit Oglebay Institute’s webpage, oionline.com.
“I’ve attended many of the large metropolitan shows, and this show rivals those in the quality of the antiques and the expertise of the dealers, and the value for the investment is fantastic. It’s a pleasure to have a part in making this experience available for our community,” said Mary Beth Hughes, long-time sponsor of the show and owner of Hughes Design & Gift Gallery, Wheeling.
Event sponsor Joe R. Pyle, of Joe R. Pyle Complete Auction and Realty Service of Mount Morris, PA, Shinnston and St. Albans, WV said the Oglebay Institute show is a “must-attend” event for those in the antiques industry and is one of the best shows in the region.
General show admission (Saturday and Sunday) is just $15.
